Ectopic Pregnancy in Early Pregnancy

Bleeding in Early Pregnancy: Ectopic Pregnancy

Definition

• An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube
• Also known as tubal pregnancy

Causes

• Previous pelvic surgery or infection
• Previous ectopic pregnancy
• Infertility treatment
• Age > 35 years
• Smoking
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Symptoms

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting (50-70% of cases)
• Abdominal pain (80-90% of cases)
• Pelvic pain
• Shoulder pain (due to bleeding into the abdominal cavity)
• Fainting or dizziness
• Weakness

Diagnosis

• Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) to visualize the uterus and tubes
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels to confirm pregnancy
• Serum progesterone levels to assess pregnancy viability
• Laparoscopy or laparotomy to confirm diagnosis

Risks

• Rupture of the tube, leading to hemorrhage and shock
• Maternal mortality (up to 10% of cases)
• Future infertility (up to 50% of cases)

Treatment

• Methotrexate (medication) to stop pregnancy growth and allow for absorption
• Surgical intervention (laparoscopy or laparotomy) to remove the ectopic pregnancy
• Salpingectomy (removal of the affected tube) in some cases

Key Points

• Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical attention
• Delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious complications and mortality
• Women with a history of ectopic pregnancy are at increased risk of recurrence

Ectopic Pregnancy Definition and Facts

• Ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube, also known as tubal pregnancy

Causes and Risk Factors

• Previous pelvic surgery or infection increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy
• Having had an ectopic pregnancy in the past increases the risk of recurrence
• Infertility treatment, age > 35 years, smoking, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are also risk factors

Symptoms and Signs

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting occurs in 50-70% of cases
• Abdominal pain is present in 80-90% of cases
• Pelvic pain, shoulder pain, fainting, dizziness, and weakness are other common symptoms

Diagnosis and Testing

• Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) visualizes the uterus and tubes
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels confirm pregnancy
• Serum progesterone levels assess pregnancy viability
• Laparoscopy or laparotomy confirms diagnosis

Risks and Complications

• Rupture of the tube can lead to hemorrhage and shock
• Maternal mortality occurs in up to 10% of cases
• Future infertility affects up to 50% of cases

Treatment Options

• Methotrexate medication stops pregnancy growth and allows for absorption
• Surgical intervention (laparoscopy or laparotomy) removes the ectopic pregnancy
• Salpingectomy (removal of the affected tube) is necessary in some cases

Key Takeaways

• Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt medical attention
• Delay in diagnosis and treatment leads to serious complications and mortality
• Women with a history of ectopic pregnancy are at increased risk of recurrence

Learn about the definition, causes, and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube.