What is Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is oftentimes referred to as a “tubal pregnancy” by the average lay person. Ectopic means “outside of” or “not in the normal anatomic position.” Therefore, an ectopic pregnancy can occur anywhere outside the uterus including in the cervix, on the ovary, or in the abdomen. The most common site is, in fact, the Fallopian tube.

Prior to ultrasound radiological studies and the blood test called “quantitative HCG”, ectopic pregnancies were one of the leading causes of maternal fatality. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy leads to intraabdominal hemorrhage and, if not recognized quickly and rectified, possible death. An unruptured ectopic pregnancy can cause left or right-sided lower pelvic or abdominal pain. If patients have these symptoms, it is important for the pregnant state to be determined. If a woman is just newly diagnosed with pregnancy and has these symptoms, she should proceed to her nearest hospital as soon as possible.

Unruptured ectopic pregnancies can be treated either medically or surgically. Patients are followed closely with sonograms and frequent blood-draws. Depending on certain clinical and laboratory criteria, an injection with Methotrexate (a common chemotherapeutic agent) is oftentimes used as the medical modality. Laparoscopic surgery can also be employed depending on the situation. Ruptured ectopic pregnancies are dealt with surgically using either laparoscopy or the “open” exploratory laparotomy approach. Bleeding can be so severe in these ruptured cases that blood transfusions may be necessary.