ECTOPIC PREGNANCY - Ectopic Pregnancy At A Glance

Ectopic Pregnancy At A Glance

• An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy located outside the inner lining of the uterus.
• Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include previous ectopic pregnancies and conditions (surgery, infection) that disrupt the normal anatomy of the Fallopian tubes.
• The major health risk of an ectopic pregnancy is internal bleeding.
• Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is usually established by blood hormone tests and pelvic ultrasound.
• Treatment options for ectopic pregnancy include both surgery and medication.

References: 

Baakdah, H. et al. Diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy. CMAJ 2005; 173:905.

Ectopic pregnancy--United States, 1990-1992.; MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1995 Jan 27;44(3):46-8.

eMedicine.com. Ectopic Pregnancy.
<http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/258768-overview>

WebMD.com. Ectopic Pregnancy.
<http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/ectopic-pregnancy-topic-overview>

Yao, M, Tulandi, T. Current status of surgical and non-surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy.Fertil Steril 1997; 67:421.

Last Editorial Review: 9/29/2010