What do they do for ectopic pregnancy

Though ectopic pregnancies comprise just 1% to 2% of all pregnancies, the condition is the leading cause of pregnancy-related maternal death in the first trimester, usually due to lack of medical intervention. In the U.S., 76 deaths were attributed to ectopic pregnancy between 1998 and 2007. 

Treatment is recommended. If the fallopian tube ruptures, the patient is more than likely going to lose the tube. Some patients might also lose the ovary on that side. If a rupture occurs, there will be a risk for abdominal hemorrhage – severe bleeding that can be fatal without immediate medical attention. 

It is possible for an early ectopic pregnancy to end in miscarriage on its own. However, in most cases it does not, and medical intervention is needed. To treat ectopic pregnancy, the doctor will recommend either a surgical procedure or a medication called methotrexate. In rare occasions, the drug can have serious side effects, such as liver or skin reactions, so it is important to discuss the most appropriate treatment with your doctor. 

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy will register a positive home pregnancy test. It won’t be clear whether the pregnancy has a chance to be viable until one of your first trimester prenatal appointments when an ultrasound will help determine where the egg is implanted. 

The initial signs of ectopic pregnancy are similar to symptoms sometimes found in healthy early pregnancies:

  • Light vaginal bleeding
  • Mild abdominal cramping
  • Missed period
  • Tender breasts

Patients sometimes shrug off these symptoms, having experienced them in a previous successful pregnancy. Not every episode of cramping or light spotting indicates ectopic pregnancy. Others might wait to be examined at their first prenatal appointment.

However, if an ectopic pregnancy develops past a few weeks, the patient will likely have more severe symptoms such as sharp abdominal or pelvic pain and dizziness.

FAQ155

Published: February 2018

Last reviewed: July 2022

Copyright 2022 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved. Read copyright and permissions information.

This information is designed as an educational aid for the public. It offers current information and opinions related to women's health. It is not intended as a statement of the standard of care. It does not explain all of the proper treatments or methods of care. It is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. Read ACOG’s complete disclaimer.

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus. Find out more about ectopic pregnancy symptoms and treatments.

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy outside the uterus. The most common site is within a fallopian tube. More rarely, it is also found within the ovary or in the cervix. Read on to understand more about ectopic pregnancy signs and symptoms.

Related: Pregnancy Complications

How Common Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Out of every 1,000 pregnancies, five to seven are ectopic pregnancies. It is more common in women who have had an ectopic pregnancy before, as well as in women who have a history of pelvic infection.

Related: When to Sound the Alarm on Your Pregnancy

What Are the Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy?

If a woman has an ectopic pregnancy, she may:

  • have missed her period
  • notice pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness and nausea
  • have irregular vaginal bleeding, known as spotting
  • feel lower abdominal or pelvic pain on one or both sides that grows worse over time

If the ectopic pregnancy ruptures, she may:

  • feel severe pain in her lower belly
  • develop shoulder pain triggered by internal bleeding
  • feel dizzy and notice a whirling sensation
  • faint or pass out

What Is the Danger of an Ectopic Pregnancy?

There is internal bleeding when the ectopic pregnancy ruptures. Your life can be at risk if the bleeding is severe.

Ectopic Pregnancy - Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is often suspected after an ultrasound fails to detect a pregnancy in the womb.

Occasionally, blood tests of your pregnancy hormone levels and additional ultrasound scans are required to help make a diagnosis. Ultimately, a diagnosis can only be confirmed via an operation.

Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment

Surgery may be required for an ectopic pregnancy. Known as laparoscopy, it is an operation whereby a fine telescope is inserted near the navel into your abdomen. This allows your doctor to see the pelvic organs and the site of the ectopic pregnancy.

Sometimes, when massive bleeding occurs, a laparotomy may be required. This involves a larger incision for the operation. This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.

Depending on the severity of the ectopic pregnancy and your fertility requirement, your doctor will discuss the options of keeping or removing your fallopian tubes. Under certain circumstances, additional blood tests and injections or even another surgery is required.

Ectopic Pregnancy - Other Information

Conceiving After an Ectopic Pregnancy

If the ectopic pregnancy is treated without removing the fallopian tubes, you still have a reasonable chance to conceive successfully in the future. Removal of one fallopian tube does not affect your chances of getting pregnant if the other fallopian tube is in good condition.

You are at a slightly higher risk of another ectopic pregnancy, so you should speak to your gynaecologist about your risks and measures of early evaluation of your next pregnancy.

Where Should I Go For Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment?

We provide round the clock service at our Urgent O&G Centre, located in basement one of KKH.

Note: It is important to note that ectopic pregnancy is sometimes difficult to diagnose in view of its myriad presentation, especially in the early stages.

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What procedure is done for ectopic pregnancy?

Salpingostomy and salpingectomy are two laparoscopic surgeries used to treat some ectopic pregnancies. In these procedure, a small incision is made in the abdomen, near or in the navel.

What happens if you have an ectopic pregnancy?

The fallopian tubes are the tubes connecting the ovaries to the womb. If an egg gets stuck in them, it won't develop into a baby and your health may be at risk if the pregnancy continues. Unfortunately, it's not possible to save the pregnancy. It usually has to be removed using medicine or an operation.

What are 3 signs of an ectopic pregnancy?

However, some women who have an ectopic pregnancy have the usual early signs or symptoms of pregnancy — a missed period, breast tenderness and nausea..
Severe abdominal or pelvic pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding..
Extreme lightheadedness or fainting..
Shoulder pain..

How long do you stay in hospital after ectopic pregnancy?

In this surgery, a large incision is made in the skin of the abdomen to remove the pregnancy tissue. A one- to five-night hospital stay is required afterward.