27/10/2025
Ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube, and is a life-threatening emergency as it cannot result in a viable birth. Symptoms include pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and sometimes dizziness or shoulder pain. Treatment requires medical intervention, such as medication or surgery, to remove the pregnancy.
Causes and risk factors
Damage to fallopian tubes:
Prior infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, previous tubal surgery, or a history of ectopic pregnancies can cause scarring that hinders the egg's passage.
Assisted reproductive technology:
Treatments like IVF may increase the risk.
Other factors:
Endometriosis, cigarette smoking, age over 35, and using an IUD are also linked to a higher risk.
Unknown:
Many women who have an ectopic pregnancy do not have any known risk factors.
Symptoms
Early signs: Symptoms can mimic a normal early pregnancy, such as missed periods, breast tenderness, or nausea.
Warning signs: The first signs of an ectopic pregnancy are often pain or vaginal bleeding.
Pain: Typically in the lower abdomen or pelvis, which can be sharp, sudden, or come and go. It may also present as shoulder tip pain if internal bleeding irritates nerves.
Vaginal bleeding: May be dark and watery, or intermittent.
Other symptoms: Discomfort during urination or a bowel movement, dizziness, or weakness.
When to seek emergency care
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following, as it could indicate a ruptured ectopic pregnancy:
Severe, sudden abdominal or pelvic pain.
Heavy vaginal bleeding accompanied by lightheadedness or fainting.
Shoulder tip pain.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis:
A doctor will likely perform a physical exam, a pregnancy test, a blood test, and a transvaginal diagnosis