Gynaecology & Obs » Pregnancy, Labour

Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fertilized ovum is implanted in a site other than the uterine wall. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube, but it may also occur, rarely, in the cervix, ovaries and the abdominal cavity. The causes of ectopic pregnancy are unknown. Untreated gonorrhoea, endometriosis and PID have been implicated. Early symptoms are either absent or subtle. The early signs are: mild pain and discomfort. Vaginal bleeding, usually mild. The differential diagnosis at this point is between miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and early normal pregnancy. An abnormal rise in blood ßhCG levels indicates an ectopic pregnancy. A high resolution, vaginal ultrasound scan showing no intrauterine pregnancy is presumptive evidence that an ectopic pregnancy. Early treatment of an ectopic pregnancy with Methotrexate has proven to be a viable alternative to surgical treatment. If rupture of the tube/ bleeding has already occurred, surgical intervention is necessary.

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