What is an Ectopic or Tubal Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy literally means "out of place" and is when the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy usually occurs when the eggs implants in the Fallopian tube giving rise to the common term "tubal pregnancy".

Risk Factors and Causes of Ectopic Pregnancies

Ectopic pregnancy is most usually caused by some form of scar tissue or infection in the Fallopian tubes or uterus. Only 1% of all pregnancies are ectopic pregnancies and while they can occur in women with no previous risk factors, they are more common when a woman has one or more of the follow risk factors.

Typical risk factors include:

~ Surgery On or Near the Fallopian Tubes - All surgeries leave scar tissue behind, and surgery on the fallopian tubes, or in the organs surrounding them, can leave scar tissue that interferes with the normal passage of the fertilized egg. A failed tubal ligation, or reversal of that procedure, can increase the risks of ectopic pregnancy. Surgery on or near the fallopian tubes should not be done lightly on women of childbearing age.

~ Pelvic Infections - Infections of the pelvis can occur from Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or STD's creating scar tissue or causing damage to the fallopian tubes. Sometimes this damage isn't evident until an ectopic pregnancy occurs. Another cause of pelvic infections that increases the risk of tubal pregnancies is the use of an IUD.

~ Endometriosis - Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium tissue, the lining of the uterus, grows in other areas of the abdomen. This painful condition can not only increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, but is treated by surgery in severe cases which also increases the potential for ectopic pregnancies.

~ Previous Tubal or Ectopic Pregnancy - If a woman has had one ectopic pregnancy already her chances of future pregnancies being ectopic are 10%. Your health care provider will probably encourage you to confirm any future pregnancy via early u/s as soon as you suspect you are pregnant to make sure a potential ectopic pregnancy is caught and treated early.

If You Suspect a Potential Ectopic Pregnancy:

Early diagnosis and treatment of an ectopic pregnancy is very important. If an ectopic pregnancy is left untreated it can not only make future pregnancies more difficult, but are potentially life threatening for the mother. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy can cause major hemorrhage but if the pregnancy is caught early the condition can be treated before a rupture occurs.

More Resources: The Pregnancy Book by Dr. Sears