Top News

Ectopic pregnancy is an unfortunate pregnancy complication that needs timely care and poses long-term reproductive challenges. Ectopic pregnancy is hard to detect because it doesn't show any signs. It can look like a classic early pregnancy system from the outside, but in no time, it can quickly escalate from mild discomfort to a life-threatening emergency.



When you find out about your pregnancy, you might be well aware of the early pregnancy symptoms and challenges. Light spotting, mild pelvic pain would look like early pregnancy challenges and don't look dangerous from the outside. An ectopic pregnancy does not show any symptoms or signs. It slowly grows until the tissue can no longer stretch it.

Ectopic Pregnancy

In a normal pregnancy, fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tube after ovulation. The fertilised egg travels towards the uterus via cilia and muscular contractions. When the embryo reaches the uterus, it is ready to implant into the uterine lining, prepared by progesterone and estrogen. Implantation happens in the decidual, which provides a vascular bed for the trophoblast cell, and from the placenta, through which nutrients, oxygen, and waste are exchanged. The uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus.



Any interruption in this process can lead to ectopic pregnancy. Before reaching the uterus, the embryo implants prematurely elsewhere, most commonly in the fallopian tube. It can also implant in the ovary, cervix, previous cesarean scars, or within the abdominal cavity. These areas don't have the structure and vascular support required for pregnancy.



Fallopian tubes and other sites don't have the capacity to support foetal growth. Tubes are narrow and rigid, designed to transport gametes. So when the embryo stretches and erodes the wall, it increases the rupture risk. Extrauterine locations cannot expand like the uterus. For the first few weeks, it's common to experience classic pregnancy symptoms due to the hormones, so it is hard to diagnose or rule out an ectopic pregnancy.



Where can Ectropion Pregnancy Occur?

Tubal pregnancies are the most common ectopic pregnancy. The fallopian tubes are designed to transport embryos, not accommodate a growing fetus.

• Fallopian Tube: Fertilisation happens in the fallopian tube, and any interruption due to scarring, inflammation, hormonal disruption, or impaired tubal movement can lead to premature implantation in the fallopian tube.
• Ovaries: Ovarian ectopic pregnancies are rare and challenging to diagnose as they mimic hemorrhagic ovarian cysts.
• Cervix: Cervical ectopic pregnancy occurs when implantation happens in the endocervical canal.
• Cesarean Scar: Implantation occurs within the scar tissue of a previous c-section, carrying a high risk of uterine rupture into the bladder and haemorrhage.
• Abdominal Cavity: This is very rare and life-threatening. Implantation occurs in other organs, such as the bowel or liver.

Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy

• Tubal Scarring: Fallopian tubes are lined with thin, hair-like cilia, which help transport eggs toward the uterus. Scarring or inflammation due to infection or surgery can impair its movement. When the tube gets damaged, the embryo may implant before reaching the uterus.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: One of the strongest factors of ectopic pregnancy. PID is caused by untreated STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea. PID damages the fallopian tube and causes inflammation.
• Endometriosis: It is a condition where cells similar to the uterus lining grow inside the uterus, causing bleeding, scarring, and inflammation in the ovaries, peritoneum, and fallopian tubes.
• Prior Ectopic Pregnancy: If you have already experienced ectopic pregnancy, the fallopian tubes might be vulnerable and don't perform their function.
• iVF: IVF-related ectopic pregnancy is common because it disrupts the embryo's journey to the uterus.
• Smoking: Cigarettes, nicotine, and toxins like cadmium can disrupt the fallopian tube and impair ciliary motion, slowing embryo transfer.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

• Missed Periods and Positive Pregnancy Test: Ectopic pregnancy still shows normal pregnancy symptoms like missed periods and shows a positive result in a home pregnancy test.
• Pelvic Pain: Intermittent pain on one side of the lower abdomen or pelvis that gradually increases may signal ectopic pregnancy. It may start like mild cramps, but it intensifies over time.
• Shoulder pain: Shoulder pain is often ignored. But it arises from the diaphragm irritation. Internal bleeding irritates the diaphragm and stimulates phrenic nerves, triggering shoulder pain.
• Vinyl Spotting: Light pinkish spots are common in a normal pregnancy. But ectopic pregnancy often looks so painful and doesn't follow predictable patterns. It may be dark and prolonged.
• Dizziness: Internal bleeding may trigger dizziness or fainting.

Ectopic Treatment Options

• Methotrexate Injection: Methotrexate injection stops pregnancy growth without surgery. But it can only be used when detected earlier.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: Laparoscopy removes the ectopic tissue and may preserve the tube.
• Surgery After Rupture: A ruptured ectopic needs surgery to control bleeding.

Recovery After Ectopic Pregnancy

It may take a few weeks to recover physically from an ectopic pregnancy. Early detection can be solved with Methotrexate, which increases recovery speed. Laparoscopic surgery may need a few weeks to return to normal. Proper nutrition and hydration also speed up the recovery.



Ectopic pregnancy can be a hurtful experience. Loss of life can even trigger trauma and PTSD symptoms. Experiencing growth is common, and anxiety about future pregnancy can also be high. You might need more time and therapy sessions to come out of the grief.



It may take 2-4 weeks for the hCG hormones to drop, which mimics miscarriage and mood swing, breast tenderness, and hot flashes are common. Progesterone and estrogen levels decrease sharply. The first period arrives after 3-8 weeks. Try to avoid conception for 3 months after surgery to avoid any risks. Early diagnosis reduces the risk. Understanding the signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy helps you make informed decisions.



You’re not alone in your journey when trying to conceive. Join our supportive community to connect with others, share experiences, and find encouragement every step of the way.



FAQs on Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy: Signs and Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

Can an ectopic pregnancy resolve itself?

When an embryo is stuck due to low hormonal levels, some ectopic pregnancies can resolve themselves through a process called “expectant management”. The pregnancy tissue degenerates naturally and is absorbed by the body. However, it happens only in some cases. Most ectopic pregnancies don't resolve on their own and need medical interventions to prevent damage.

Can a baby survive in an ectopic pregnancy?

A baby cannot survive an ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, which lacks the capacity to support foetal growth. Initially, the ectopic pregnancy shows the same hormonal changes and pregnancy symptoms like nausea and dizziness. As the embryo grows, it can lead to internal bleeding and be life-threatening for their mothers.