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Ectopic Pregnancy(Tubal Pregnancy)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionAn ectopic pregnancy happens outside of the womb. It cannot survive. Most happen within a fallopian tube. It can also happen in the cervix, an ovary, or the belly.
CausesA problem with the fallopian tubes causes this to happen. Risk FactorsThis problem is more common in women who are 40 years of age or older. Other things that may raise the risk are:
SymptomsA missed period is the first sign. A woman may also have belly pain and spotty bleeding. DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A pelvic exam will be done. Blood tests and urine tests will be done to look for signs of pregnancy. Pictures may be taken. This can be done with an ultrasound. TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to remove the ectopic pregnancy. Choices are:
PreventionThere are no known guidelines to prevent an ectopic pregnancy. RESOURCES:American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists http://www.acog.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada http://www.sogc.org Women's Health Matters http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca References:
Ectopic pregnancy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/ectopic-pregnancy. Accessed October 15, 2020.
Ectopic pregnancy. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed October 15, 2020. Ectopic pregnancy. Planned Parenthood website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed October 15, 2020. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). Diagnosis and Management of Ectopic Pregnancy: Green-top Guideline No. 21. BJOG. 2016 Dec;123(13):e15-e55. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG Last Updated: 4/27/2021 | |