Description
A pregnancy during which the fetus develops outside the uterus. It occurs commonly in the fallopian tubes. An ectopic pregnancy can rupture and cause bleeding in the abdomen, and if left untreated can result in death. Ectopic pregnancy is more common in women with previous pelvic inflammatory disease, IUD use or a previous ectopic pregnancy.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, lightheadedness, fainting, low blood pressure.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A positive pregnancy test, HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin), confirms pregnancy. A pelvic ultrasound is usually performed to search for a pregnancy within the uterus. If a pregnancy is not found in the uterus it is considered to be an ectopic pregnancy until proven otherwise.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Blood type
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A positive pregnancy test, HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin), confirms pregnancy. A pelvic ultrasound is usually performed to search for a pregnancy within the uterus. If a pregnancy is not found in the uterus it is considered to be an ectopic pregnancy until proven otherwise.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Blood type
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size and location of the ectopic pregnancy and may include: methotrexate, surgical removal of the pregnancy, or surgical removal of the fallopian tube. If the mother is blood type Rh negative she will require RhoGAM.