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Ectopic pregnancy
Make it clearer
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that settled where it should not have. Instead of implanting inside the cavity of the uterus, the fertilized egg implants outside it: it is a seed that took root in the hallway, not the pot. And this is not just a detail of location, because it can put a life at risk.
Nearly all of them implant in the fallopian tube, the duct that carries the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Behind this there is usually an abnormal tube, and that abnormality can come from an infection such as chlamydia, from surgery on the tube, or from a previous ectopic pregnancy.
More rarely, it implants in the cervix, in the ovary, or in the scar from a cesarean. When it does cause symptoms, the typical ones are pain in the lower part of the abdomen, usually on one side only, along with vaginal bleeding.
In brief
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity; it can be life threatening.
It is a seed that took root in the hallway, not the pot.
Nearly all ectopic pregnancies implant in the fallopian tube and are usually linked to tubal abnormalities, which can follow an infection such as chlamydia, tubal surgery, or a prior ectopic pregnancy.
Rarely, it implants in the cervix, the ovary, or a cesarean scar; an ectopic pregnancy typically causes lower abdominal pain on one side and vaginal bleeding.
Sources (1)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingEctopic Pregnancy, StatPearlsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated