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Tubal (ectopic) Pregnancy

Normally, a pregnancy begins in a woman's fallopian tube. The fallopian tube connects the ovary, where eggs are made, to the womb, where pregnancy develops. If a fertilized egg becomes stuck in the fallopian tube on its way to the womb, it may try to grow there. The tube will swell and break open as the fertilized egg outgrows the size of the tube. This is an abnormal pregnancy and is known as a tubal or ectopic pregnancy. A life-threatening medical emergency exists if the tube ruptures.

The risk of a tubal pregnancy increases if the woman has had:

• an infection in her tubes and ovaries called pelvic inflammatory disease

• a previous surgery near her tubes

• a previous tubal pregnancy

• certain birth control methods, like an IUD

• endometriosis, a disease which can cause scarring of the tubes

• an abortion

• a history of difficulty getting pregnant or

• a pregnancy as a result of fertility drugs or in vitro fertilization

An ectopic pregnancy can occur without any of these risks. A woman should contact her healthcare provider for immediate care if she thinks she is pregnant and has any of the following signs:

• sharp pain in lower abdomen that comes and goes

• unusual bleeding in early pregnancy

• shoulder pain and

• fainting, weakness or dizziness

Tests to find out if a tubal pregnancy exists include:

• an exam of the female sex organs

• a pregnancy test and

• an ultrasound, a test that uses sound waves to find the location of pregnancy

If a tubal pregnancy is found or suspected, a laparoscopy may be done. This is minor surgery using a telescope-like tool that looks inside the body. The fallopian tubes can be seen and even operated on with this tool. In very early cases, a drug may be used that destroys the growing tissue in the tube. Major surgery is occasionally required. The woman's healthcare provider will review the treatment options with her.

Once a woman has a tubal pregnancy, the chance is about 15 percent that it will happen again with each future pregnancy.

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