Sometimes a pregnancy occurs outside a woman’s uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy. When an ectopic pregnancy occurs, the egg either becomes implanted in the abdominal cavity or in a Fallopian tube. The fetus can also attach in an ovary or the cervix. This usually results in cramping and unusual bleeding.

An ectopic pregnancy is often difficult for a doctor to diagnose. It may be mistaken for a miscarriage by both the woman and her doctor. Most of the time an ectopic pregnancy does end in a miscarriage. This happens because the growth of the fetus causes such pressure that it causes the Fallopian tube to rupture. When this happens, the fetus may lodge in the abdominal cavity. It can continue to grow there and may later be delivered by Caesarian section.

Doctors are unsure about the cause of an ectopic pregnancy. Most feel the evidence shows that some kind of blockage prevents the egg from traveling to the uterus. This thought is backed up by statistics which show that about 50% of women with an ectopic pregnancy have had pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Other causes for the blockages could be scarring from an earlier surgery, birth defects, or endometriosis.

Studies have shown that a woman who has had one ectopic pregnancy is more likely to have another. Doctors also know that women who have had their tubes tied as a method of birth control have a significantly higher chance of having an ectopic pregnancy.

Hormones may also play a part in an ectopic pregnancy. Both progesterone and estrogen slow the movement of the egg so that it may not reach its place in the uterus. For this reason, women who desire to give birth should be careful about taking or handling pills which contain these ingredients.

A woman who has an ectopic pregnancy may experience a missed period or unusual spotting. She may also cramp on one side and have some pain in her lower back. Her breasts may become tender as if she were pregnant. An ectopic pregnancy may also cause faintness and nausea.

Doctors use several different blood tests and ultrasound to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. The absence of a fetus in the uterus indicates that the patient may be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. Often a D and C or other form of surgery is the only way to confirm it.

Tags: ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy