Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fertilized ovum is implanted in any tissue other than the uterine wall. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube (so-called tubal pregnancies), but implantation can also occur in the cervix, ovaries, and abdomen.

Diagnosis

Ectopic pregnancy has to be suspected in any woman with lower abdominal pain and/or unusual bleeding who is sexually active. A pregnancy test usually needs to be positive. An ultrasound examination may reveal the abnormal location of the pregnancy, show evidence of intraabdominal bleeding, or reveal an empty uterine cavity when normally the pregnancy should have been detectable within the uterus.

Related Topics:
Pregnancy test - Ultrasound

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A laparoscopy or laparotomy can also be performed to visually confirm ( and then remove) an ectopic pregnancy within the abdominal or pelvic cavity.

Related Topics:
Laparoscopy - Laparotomy

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