Potential Complications:
Ectopic Pregnancy
Compiled by The Cradle Staff
hat is an ectopic pregnancy?
Also known as a "tubal pregnancy," an ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself in a place other than inside the uterus. Usually, ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube (hence the name "tubal pregnancy"); about 2% occur in the abdomen, cervix, or ovary. Since an embryo can only develop in the uterus, a fertilized egg in any other location must be treated.
What can cause the fertilized egg to implant somewhere outside of the uterus?
In a "normal" pregnancy, the fertilized egg migrates through the fallopian tube towards the uterus for implantation. This process takes a little over a week. If the egg is somehow diverted or delayed (due to a damaged fallopian tube or other interference), it may implant itself wherever it is at that point in its travels.
Am I at risk for an ectopic pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancies happen in about 1 of 60 pregnancies. Your risk increases if you:
- Are over 35
- Are (or have been) a smoker
- Have had past ectopic pregnancies
- Have had numerous abortions
- Conceived while using an IUD (intrauterine device)
- Conceived after a tubal ligation or tubal ligation reversal
- Have had pelvic or abdominal surgery
- Have had PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
What are symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the early weeks of pregnancy, usually before week 8. The following symptoms might be indicators of an ectopic pregnancy:
- Intermittent pain or discomfort in the pelvis or abdomen (sometimes the pain may manifest itself in the shoulder or neck), with fluctuating intensity
- Pelvic cramping on one side
- Light vaginal bleeding
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Fainting (if the fallopian tube ruptures)
However, these symptoms might also be indications of other conditions, such as appendicitis, urinary system problems, varying gastrointestinal disorders, PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), or numerous other gynecological conditions. (This doesn’t make it easy to self-diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.)
