• Ectopic pregnancy usually occurs in the fallopian tube 
• In this pregnancy, the fertilised egg grows on the outside cavity of the uterus 
• Ectopic pregnancy requires consistent clinical care to ensure the health of the expecting mother and the fetus

In a usual pregnancy, the fertilised egg implants itself into the lining of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy is a type of pregnancy in which the fertilised egg attaches and begins to grow outside the main cavity of the uterus. 

Ectopic pregnancy can occur anywhere in the other areas of the body including the ovary, the fallopian tubes, the abdomen or the cervix. In most cases, an ectopic pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tube. This type of ectopic pregnancy is known as tubal pregnancy. 

In the initial stages, ectopic pregnancy symptoms are similar to the early signs of pregnancy. Common symptoms include breast tenderness and nausea. 

An ectopic pregnancy starts like a normal pregnancy. However, it cannot continue as normal. Ectopic pregnancy symptoms become more noticeable as the fertilised egg continues to grow. 

Emergency ectopic pregnancy symptoms include:

• Extreme lightheadedness 
• Heavy bleeding inside the abdomen 
• Fainting 
• Shoulder pain 
• Low back pain 
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding 
• Cramping in one side of the pelvis 

There are different reasons for different types of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy causes include:

• Damaged fallopian tubes (caused by inflammation) 
• Hormonal imbalances 
• Abnormal development of fertilised egg 

Ectopic pregnancy can affect any expecting woman. However, some women are at a higher risk of developing this type of pregnancy. Common risk factors include:

• History of ectopic pregnancy 
• Sexually transmitted infections 
• Tubal surgery to correct ruptured or closed fallopian tubes 
• Smoking

Ectopic pregnancy tests are important as they help your obstetrician to diagnose your condition properly and offer corrective measures. Common ectopic pregnancy tests include:

Pregnancy test

Your doctor may order a pregnancy test to check the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone in your blood. 

Ultrasound scans

A transvaginal ultrasound allows your doctor to check the exact location of the pregnancy. Additionally, an abdominal ultrasound may be done to examine you for internal bleeding.

Blood tests

Your obstetrician will also perform certain blood tests to check for anaemia or signs of blood loss. 

An ectopic pregnancy, if left untreated, can cause several complications such as rupture of fallopian tubes leading to severe bleeding. Ectopic pregnancy treatment depends upon the location of implantation, stage of pregnancy and overall symptoms. 

Common ectopic pregnancy treatment protocols include:

• Medication 
• Laparoscopic surgeries – surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy and surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy as well as the tube