If your pregnancy test was positive, it’s important that you understand some facts about ectopic pregnancies.  Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about this type of pregnancy and we’d like to help you navigate some of things you might be hearing.

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants outside the main cavity of the uterus.   The most common place ectopic pregnancies occur is in the fallopian tubes (90%), thus many people call it a “tubal pregnancy“.  It is possible for ectopic pregnancies to occur in other parts of the body, like the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity. 

But a pregnancy that is not implanted in the correct place within the uterus cannot survive. The fertilized egg cannot progress normally, and the growing tissue may cause internal hemorrhaging if left untreated.  The pregnancy can rupture, causing major internal bleeding and a life-threatening emergency. 

Ectopic pregnancies occur in about 2% of pregnancies and have certain risk factors that could increase the chances of having one, including:

• a previous ectopic pregnancy
• inflammation or infection of the female reproductive organs caused by Sexually Transmitted Infection (Gonorrhea & Chlamydia) or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Fertility treatments (IVF) or fallopian tube surgery
• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
• Recent cigarette smoking