What is an ectopic pregancy?

Ectopic pregnancy, sometimes called a tubal pregnancy, occurs when a fertilized egg grows in a location outside of the main uterine cavity. In more than 95% of all ectopic pregnancies, the fertilized egg implants in one of the fallopian tubes. Most commonly, the fertilized egg stops traveling through the fallopian tube around the time the egg needs to implant in the lining of the uterus, leading to an ectopic tubal pregnancy. In rare instances, an ectopic pregnancy can occur outside the fallopian tube in locations such as the ovaries, cervix, or peritoneal cavity.

While an ectopic pregnancy can occur in anyone who becomes pregnant, some people have an increased risk. Risk factors for an ectopic pregnancy include:

- Previous ectopic pregnancy

- History of pelvic inflammatory disease

- Previous or current sexually transmitted infection (STI)

- Endometriosis

- Use of fertility drugs

- Smoking

- Older maternal age

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may vary and can sometimes resemble those of a regular pregnancy, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and breast tenderness. However, if an ectopic pregnancy ruptures, it can lead to severe pain and internal bleeding, which requires emergency medical attention. It's important to seek medical evaluation promptly if you experience any concerning symptoms, especially if you've had a previous ectopic pregnancy or known risk factors.