Ectopic Pregnancy

Missed menstrual periods, pain, bleeding and a positive pregnancy test are symptoms of a possible ectopic pregnancy. This condition arises when the fertilized egg implants in an abnormal location rather than in the uterus. Most ectopics occur in the fallopian tubes.

Bleeding from an ectopic pregnancy can be life threatening.

The causes of this are generally scarring of the fallopian tubes due to previous surgery or infection. Treatment is through laparoscopy or major surgery, and occasionally by medication.

Risks from treatment include infection, bleeding, and risks of the anesthesia. Another risk involves incomplete removal of the pregnancy with conservative procedures such as surgery on the fallopian tube to remove the pregnancy.