Ectopic pregnancy

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Pelvic laparoscopy Ultrasound in pregnancy Female reproductive anatomy Uterus Ultrasound, normal fetus - foot Ectopic pregnancy

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Ectopic pregnancy

• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Mild cramping on one side of the pelvis
• Amenorrhea (cessation of regular menstrual cycle)
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (usually scant amounts, spotting)
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea
• Low back pain

• Severe, sharp, and sudden pain in the lower abdominal area
• Feeling faint or actually fainting
• Referred pain to the shoulder area

A pelvic examination may reveal uterine adnexal (Fallopian tube or ovary region) tenderness.

• There is usually a positive pregnancy test.
  • Urine HCG (qualitative) tests may be falsely negative in up to 17.5% of them.
  • In contrast, serum HCG (quantitative) tests have only a 2% incidence of false-negative results.
• A hematocrit test may be normal or decreased.
• The white blood count may be normal or increased.
• A culdocentesis may be performed to determine if free blood is present in the abdomen.
• An ultrasound (transvaginal ultrasound or pregnancy ultrasound) illustrates an empty uterus. Products of conception may be evident elsewhere.
• A laparoscopy or a laparotomy may be necessary for adequate diagnosis.
• A D and C may be indicated to rule out a nonviable intrauterine pregnancy.

• Serum progesterone -- a value of 25ng/mL or more is, 98% of the time, associated with a normal pregnancy in the uterus, while a value of less than 5ng/mL indicates that the pregnancy, regardless of location, is not going to be successful.

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