The literal meaning of Ectopic is “Occurring in an abnormal position or place.” In the same way Ectopic pregnancy means implantation or development of fertilized egg outside the uterus. Generally ectopic pregnancy does not end up in live birth. The occurrence of ectopic pregnancy can vary from 1 in every 100 pregnancies to 1 in every 40 pregnancies.

In almost 95% of Ectopic pregnancy the fertilized egg settles down in fallopian tube hence more commonly known as Tubal Pregnancy. Although rare but other parts where fertilized egg can settle are Abdomen, Ovary or Cervix. Hence Ectopic pregnancy is also known as Abdominal Pregnancy or Cervical Pregnancy.

What are the Causes for Ectopic Pregnancy?
When a fetus develops outside the womb such a pregnancy is called as ectopic pregnancy. Blocked or slow movement of fertilized egg through fallopian tube to uterus results in ectopic pregnancy. Blockage in the fallopian tube can be caused due to

• Inflammation or infection
• Endometriosis
• Scar tissue due to previous pelvic surgery
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Complications due to ruptured appendix

Sometimes excessive hormones also results in ectopic pregnancy. Hormones like progesterone and estrogen present in birth control pills increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

What are Signs and Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?
It is difficult to distinguish between normal pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy as both have similar symptoms. Similar symptoms include:

• Missed period
• Nausea
• Frequent urination
• Vomiting
• Tenderness of breast

But there are few warning symptoms which can be helpful in early detection of ectopic pregnancy.

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Sharp pain in pelvic or abdominal region
• Fainting or dizziness
• Lower blood pressure
• Severe pain in lower back

Few women experience sharp pain almost equivalent to stabbing. The concentration of pain could be focused on one side of the pelvis region. In rare and serious cases pain could be experienced in the neck or shoulder region.

Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy:
A pregnancy less than 5 weeks is difficult to detect even with the most sophisticated devices. The main diagnostic test for ectopic pregnancy is Quantitative hCG Test. hCG blood test gives a clear picture of levels of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. This hormone is produced by the placenta. During the early stage of pregnancy the level of this hormone doubles every 2 days. But in case of ectopic pregnancy the level of hCG hormone is significantly lower. The other method is to undergo Ultrasound Examination or Sonography. This method confirms whether the fetus is developing in uterus or any other body part.

How Ectopic Pregnancy can be treated?
Early detection of ectopic pregnancy can play a crucial role in its treatment. Treatment option varies according to the location and size of the fetus and also on the medical stability of the woman. Treatment options available are

• Methotrexate injection can treat an early ectopic pregnancy. It restricts the growth of the embryo.
• In case of late detection of ectopic pregnancy the abnormal pregnancy is removed with the help of surgery.
• In some cases the abnormal pregnancy is removed with the help of laparoscopy.

Whatever may be the treatment option, physician makes sure that hCG level reach zero. In case hCG level is not zero then there is possibility that some ectopic tissue is left. This can be either removed by additional surgery or Methotrexate injection.