An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy with a fertilized egg that is not in the uterus. It is also known as a tubal pregnancy, because the fertilized egg usually implants in the fallopian tube. This is a serious complication of pregnancy and is devastating to the parents because there is no way to save the fetus and if an ectopic pregnancy is untreated, it can be life threatening to the mother. This complication occurs in about 2% of pregnancies.

The following will increase a woman’s risk of having an ectopic pregnancy:

• Surgery on fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy

• Surgery on fallopian tubes undo pregnancy prevention surgery

• Previous ectopic pregnancy

• Infection in fallopian tubes

• Uterus infection

• STD

• Smoking

An ectopic pregnancy is when an embryo doesn’t make its journey from the ovaries to the uterus for implantation in the uterine wall. The embryo will implant and begin to develop and grow elsewhere in the body (usually in the fallopian tube, but may be in other locations if there is a way for the egg to leave the fallopian tube). When untreated the fallopian tube ruptures. The more developed the placenta at the time of rupture directly affects the risks for the mom. A larger placenta will bleed more and increase the risk of a life threatening hemorrhage.

Ectopic pregnancy symptoms include the following:

• Colicky, cramping pain, usually in the lower abdomen, that is accompanied by tenderness and may worsen on straining of bowels, coughing, or moving

• Pain in the pelvis that is sharp and steady

• Bleeding from the vagina

• Vomiting and nausea

• Dizziness, weakness, weak pulse, clammy skin and fainting (internal bleeding symptoms)

• Pain in shoulder

• Rectal pressure

An examination, blood tests, and ultrasound will be used to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. It is occasionally treated with medication that will cause the shrinkage and absorption of the egg. Usually by the time the ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, surgery is the only option. The egg is removed and repairs done to the area where it was developing. Sometimes both medication and surgery are used in treatment. If there was a rupture, the mom is treated for internal bleeding.

Though devastating, many woman go on to have healthy normal pregnancies. It is important that before getting pregnant again the woman allows her body to heal completely physically and the couple take time to heal emotionally from their loss.