What Is Ectopic Pregnancy?

What Is Ectopic Pregnancy? Usually, a fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining in your uterus. But with an ectopic pregnancy (also called extrauterine pregnancy), the fertilized egg grows outside your uterus. This can include other areas like a fallopian tube, the ovaries, in your belly, or the lower part of your cervix, which is above the vagina. In more than 90% of cases, the egg attaches itself in a fallopian tube. This is called a tubal pregnancy.

Rates are hard to determine, but one study suggests that about 1 in 50 pregnancies in the U.S. are ectopic. As the fertilized egg grows, it can burst (rupture) and can cause life-threatening bleeding. If this happens, you will need medical care right away. If you don’t treat it, it can be deadly. In fact, ectopic pregnancies are the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the first trimester. Can a baby survive an ectopic pregnancy? No. It’s important to note that the fertilized egg in an ectopic pregnancy is not “viable.” That means it’s impossible for the egg to survive and grow into a baby that can survive in or outside your body. It will always result in a pregnancy loss. That’s because the egg can’t get the blood supply and support it needs to grow outside of the uterus. Signs and Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy At first you may not have any symptoms of an early ectopic pregnancy. They may seem very similar to those of a normal pregnancy. You might miss your period and have discomfort in your belly and tenderness in your breasts. Only about half of women with an ectopic pregnancy will have all three of the main signs: a missed period, vaginal bleeding, and belly pain. Early signs of an ectopic pregnancy include: Upset stomach and vomiting Sharp belly cramps Pain on one side of your body Dizziness or weakness Pain in your shoulder, neck, or rectum An ectopic pregnancy can cause your fallopian tube to burst, or rupture. Emergency symptoms include major pain, with or without severe bleeding. Call your doctor right away if you have heavy vaginal bleeding with lightheadedness, fainting, or shoulder pain, or if you have severe belly pain, especially on one side. You might need to call 911 or head to the nearest hospital to have it treated right away. When Do Ectopic Pregnancies Start? Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy usually develop fairly early in the pregnancy: between the 4th and 12th weeks. Ectopic Pregnancy Causes and Risk Factors You may never know why you have an ectopic pregnancy. One cause could be a damaged fallopian tube. It could keep the fertilized egg from getting into your uterus. You’re more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy if you: Smoke cigarettes Are older than 35 Have a sexually transmitted infection Have scarring from pelvic surgery Had a previous ectopic pregnancy Tried to have tubal ligation (tubes tied) or tubal ligation reversal Had fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) It could also happen if you become pregnant while you have an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control.