In a healthy pregnancy the fertilized egg implants somewhere in the uterine wall. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg most commonly implants in the fallopian tube or somewhere else outside of the uterus.

Ectopic pregnancies are not viable, meaning they cannot naturally continue or progress. Medicine or surgery is required to remove the fetus and repair or remove any damaged surrounding tissues. If not caught early, ectopic pregnancies can cause internal hemorrhaging and may be fatal. Fortunately, ectopic pregnancies are rare and occur in only approximately 1% of pregnancies.

At first, an ectopic pregnancy may feel like a typical pregnancy with some of the same signs, such as a missed menstrual period, tender breasts, or an upset stomach. Other signs may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Low back pain
• Mild pain in the abdomen or pelvis
• Mild cramping on one side of the pelvis

 However, as the pregnancy progresses, the embryo may outgrow its surroundings causing pelvic or abdominal pain and sometimes light-headedness or fainting. It’s important to always follow up a positive home pregnancy test with your health care professional to ensure that the pregnancy is normal.  An ultrasound can be performed to confirm the presence of a fetal sac in the uterus.

If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected by your health care professional, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency department.