Womens Health Blog

When a pregnancy develops in an organ other than the uterus, it is known as an ectopic pregnancy. The most common site is in one of the fallopian tubes, but the fertilized embryo can very occasionally implant on other organs within the pelvis. The egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube, and if the tube is damaged in any way, the egg may become stuck there. Ectopic pregnancies occur in about one out of every hundred pregnancies and are more common in first pregnancies, if you have an IUD, are taking the progesterone only contraceptive pill, and with postcoital contraception.

Is It Serious?

An ectopic pregnancy is always very serious because the fetus inevitably outgrows the fallopian tube and bursts through it, leading to hemorrhage, shock, pelvic infection, peritonitis, and, if untreated, collapse and death.

Should I See Doctor?

If there is any chance you could be pregnant and you are suffering pain in either the right or left side of your lower abdomen, consult your doctor immediately. Women with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are particularly at risk. Home pregnancy tests are not reliable in tubal pregnancies, so don’t hesitate even if you had a negative result on the test.

What Might The Doctor Do?

• It is possible your doctor will be able to feel the pregnancy by examining your abdomen externally. Ultrasound scanning is also used as a diagnostic procedure.
• If a tubal pregnancy is detected, you will need surgery. A specialist will probably perform a laparoscopy prior to removal of the pregnancy. If the ectopic pregnancy has burst, the fallopian tube, possibly even your ovary, will be removed.

Are There Any Complication?

Even if the surgeon can save the fallopian tube, it may heal with scar tissue, impeding the passage of the ovum on that side.

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