Extra-uterine Pregnancy

When fertilized ovum embeds outside the uterine cavity, the pregnancy is said to be extra uterine. Commonly in the fallopian tube, abdominal cavity, cervix and rarely ovaian .

Tubal Pregnancy /Ectopic Pregnancy Causes:

Congenital abnormality of the tube, Previous infection, Surgery on the tube IUCD, Assisted reproductive techniques

Physiology:

The blastocyst rapidly erodes the epithelial lining of the fallopian tube and becomes attached to the muscle layer.

Signs & Symptoms

· History of amenorrhea

· Mild lower abdominal discomfort or acute Abdominal pain

· Occasional attack of sharp and stabbing pain which is localized in nature

· Accompanied by nausea

· There may be brownish vaginal discharge, dizziness, shoulder pain – bleeding into the peritoneal cavity

Other signs of pregnancy may be absent

· Ultrasound may assist diagnosis

· Shock may be present

Possible outcome:

If occurs near the distal end of the tube

1. Tubal abortion may result

2. Tubal mole

3. Tubal rupture which may be gradual or sudden

4. Abdominal pregnancy