Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency treatment. It predominantly occurs when the embryo implants in one of the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. Rarely, the embryo can attach to an ovary or other abdominal organs. An ectopic pregnancy is most likely to occur within the first few weeks of pregnancy and is usually discovered by the 8th week of pregnancy.

Braxton Hicks Contractions: True or False Labor?

What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?
Braxton Hicks contractions can be described as tightening in the abdomen that comes and goes. These contractions do not get closer together, do not increase with walking, do not increase in how long they last and do not feel stronger over time as they do when you are in true labor.

What Do True Labor Contractions Feel Like?
The way a contraction feels is different for each woman and may feel different from one pregnancy to the next. Labor contractions cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. Some women may also feel pain in their sides and thighs. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps, while others describe them as strong waves that feel like diarrhea cramps.

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Braxton Hicks (false labor) contractions, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, prenatal tests, pregnancy complications, C-section, twins, triplets, and more, midwives, inducing labor, fetal movement, prenatal vitamins, folic acid, pregnancy and drug use

How Common Is Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is estimated to occur in up to 1 out of every 50 pregnancies.

What Are the Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Common symptoms include:

Light vaginal bleeding
Nausea and vomiting
Lower abdominal pain
Sharp abdominal cramps
Pain on one side of the body
Dizziness or weakness
Pain in the shoulder, neck, or rectum

If the fallopian tube ruptures, the pain and bleeding could be severe enough to cause fainting.

If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, contact your health care provider right away and go to the emergency room. Getting to the hospital immediately is important to reduce the risk of hemorrhaging (severe bleeding) and to preserve your fertility.

What Causes an Ectopic Pregnancy?

If one of the fallopian tubes is damaged, it may not allow the fertilized egg to pass to the uterus causing the egg to implant in the fallopian tube or elsewhere.

What Are the Risk Factors for Ectopic Pregnancy?

Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include:

Use of an intrauterine device (IUD), a form of birth control, at the time of conception.
History of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Sexually-transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Congenital abnormality (problem present at birth) of the fallopian tube.
History of pelvic surgery (since scarring may block the fertilized egg from leaving the fallopian tube).
History of ectopic pregnancy.
Unsuccessful tubal ligation (surgical sterilization) or tubal ligation reversal.
Fertility drugs.
Infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

How Is an Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?

Once you arrive at the hospital, a pregnancy test, a pelvic exam, and an ultrasound test may be performed to view the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes.

If an ectopic pregnancy has been confirmed, the health care provider will decide on the best treatment based on your medical condition and your future plans for pregnancy.

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WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic