Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. This can be very dangerous because a tubal pregnancy can rupture the fallopian tube, causing uncontrolled bleeding. This uncontrolled bleeding is a serious medical emergency that if left untreated can lead to shock, and even death.

Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy

The majority of ectopic pregnancies are caused by a blockage in one or both of the fallopian tubes. This blockage is usually scar tissue left over from surgery, infection, or a past ectopic pregnancy. It is not uncommon for the fallopian tubes to become blocked after Infection with PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) which can be a result of STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Women who have had surgery to have their "tubes tied" (tubal sterilization) are at higher risk for ectopic pregnancy, as are women who have had surgery to reverse tubal sterilization.

Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

Symptoms tend to occur 6 to 8 weeks after the woman