An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus: a fertilized egg implants and increases in the uterus (also called the womb). In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg doesn’t make it to the uterus. It implants somewhere else, most often in the fallopian tube. This is called a “tubal pregnancy.” It can also occur in the ovary, cervix, or abdomen. An ectopic pregnancy can be dangerous for the mother. As the pregnancy grows, it could cause the implanted organ to rupture (burst).
Causes:
Usually, an ectopic pregnancy happens because the fertilized egg couldn’t move down the fallopian tube quickly enough. An infection or inflammation in the tube can cause it to be wholly or partially blocked. This is commonly caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Another common reason tubes get blocked endometriosis. This is when cells from the uterus lining grow outside the uterus. The cells can grow inside the fallopian box and cause blockages.
Treatments:
If an ectopic pregnancy is discovered early, your doctor can give you a shot of medicine called methotrexate. This medicine stops cells from growing and ends the pregnancy. Your body then absorbs the ectopic tissue.
Some ectopic pregnancies require surgery. These include those that aren’t discovered early enough or cause a pelvic organ to rupture. Surgery is usually done with laparoscopy. This procedure uses a tiny camera inserted into your body through minor cuts in your abdomen. Special tools are used to remove the pregnancy. If your fallopian tube or another organ has burst, your doctor may also withdraw that.
How to Avoid It:
You can’t prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but you can try to control your risk factors. Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, plan on quitting before you get pregnant. Before getting pregnant, use a condom when having sex. This can help prevent sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can cause PID.
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