Ectopic means "out of place." In an ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg has implanted outside the uterus. The egg settles in the fallopian tubes in more than 95% of ectopic pregnancies. This is why ectopic pregnancies are commonly called "tubal pregnancies." The egg can also implant in the ovary, abdomen, or the cervix, so you may see these referred to as cervical or abdominal pregnancies.
Ectopic pregnancy, also known as a tubal pregnancy, occurs when the pregnancy implants outside of the womb. It can occur in several places, eg. the ovary, the abdomen, the cervix, at the join between the tube and the womb (cornua), but the most common place is within the fallopian tube.
In the general population, pelvic inflammatory disease is the most common risk factor for ectopic pregnancy. Organisms that preferentially attack the fallopian tubes include Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and mixed aerobes and anaerobes.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself in a place other than inside the uterus. Almost all ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube, and are thus sometimes called tubal pregnancies. The fallopian tubes are not designed to hold a growing embryo; the fertilized egg in a tubal pregnancy cannot develop normally and must be treated.
As the pregnancy grows, it causes pain and bleeding and, if not recognized, the tube can rupture, causing internal bleeding. This is a medical emergency and can be fatal. The pregnancy itself never survives -- it can't be moved to the womb and has to be removed.
Causes
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the baby starts to develop outside the womb (uterus). The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is within one of the tubes through which the egg passes from the ovary to the uterus (fallopian tube). However, in rare cases, ectopic pregnancies can occur in the ovary, stomach area, or cervix.
The most serious complication of an ectopic pregnancy is intra abdominal hemorrhage(severe bleeding). In the case of a tubal pregnancy, for example, as the products of conception continue to grow in the fallopian tube, the tube expands and eventually ruptures. This can be very dangerous because a large artery runs on the outside of each fallopian tube. If the artery ruptures, you can bleed severely.
An ectopic pregnancy may seem like a normal pregnancy at first. You'll have a positive pregnancy test. Early signs and symptoms may be the same as those of any pregnancy — a missed period, breast tenderness, nausea and fatigue.
The vaginal bleeding can vary from being slight or brown vaginal discharge to being like a normal period. If you are pregnant and have a long-lasting throbbing in one side of your lower abdomen or if you experience sudden pain you should contact your doctor. This is important because an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening if it ruptures and causes internal bleeding.
Almost all ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube. Rarely, it will attach to an ovary or another organ in the abdomen. As the pregnancy grows it can cause the tube to burst. If this occurs, it can cause major internal bleeding. This can be life threatening and needs to be treated with surgery.
