Why does tubal pregnancy happen

The fallopian tube could rupture in extreme cases, causing severe internal bleeding. Your doctor will then perform an emergency surgery to provide immediate treatment.

Treatment options vary depending on the location of the ectopic pregnancy and its development. Your doctor may decide that immediate complications are unlikely. In this case, your doctor can prescribe several medications that could keep the ectopic mass from bursting. Methotrexate is a drug that stops the growth of rapidly dividing cells, such as the cells of the ectopic mass.

If you take this medication, your doctor will give it to you as an injection. You should also get regular blood tests to ensure that the drug is effective.

When effective, the medication will cause symptoms that are similar to that of a miscarriage. These include:. Further surgery is rarely required after this occurs. Many surgeons suggest removing the embryo and repairing any internal damage. This procedure is called a laparotomy. Your doctor will insert a small camera through a small incision to make sure they can see their work. The surgeon then removes the embryo and repairs any damage to the fallopian tube. If the surgery is unsuccessful, the surgeon may repeat a laparotomy, this time through a larger incision.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding the care of your incisions after surgery. The chief goals are to keep your incisions clean and dry while they heal. Check them daily for infection signs, which could include:. You can expect some light vaginal bleeding and small blood clots after surgery. This can occur up to six weeks after your procedure.

Other self-care measures you can take include:. Always notify your doctor if your pain increases or you feel something is out of the ordinary. You may be able to reduce your risk through good reproductive health maintenance. Have your partner wear a condom during sex and limit your number of sexual partners. Maintain regular visits with your doctor, including regular gynecological exams and regular STD screenings.

Taking steps to improve your personal health, such as quitting smoking, is also a good preventive strategy. The long-term outlook after an ectopic pregnancy depends on whether it caused any physical damage. In a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants and develops in the uterus.

In an ectopic pregnancy, the egg implants somewhere other than the uterus — often, in the fallopian tubes. This is why ectopic pregnancies are commonly called "tubal pregnancies. None of these areas has the right space or nurturing tissue for a pregnancy to develop.

As the fetus grows, it will eventually burst the organ that contains it. This can cause severe bleeding and endanger the mother's life.

A classical ectopic pregnancy does not develop into a live birth. Ectopic pregnancy can be hard to diagnose because symptoms often are like those of a normal early pregnancy.

These can include missed periods, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, or frequent urination peeing. Often, the first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are pain or vaginal bleeding. There might be pain in the pelvis, abdomen, or even the shoulder or neck if blood from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy builds up and irritates certain nerves.

The pain can range from mild and dull to severe and sharp. It might be felt on just one side of the pelvis or all over. The tube can get blocked from an infection or inflammation. An ectopic pregnancy can cause your fallopian tube to burst open. Without treatment, the ruptured tube can lead to life-threatening bleeding. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

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Overview Ectopic pregnancy Open pop-up dialog box Close. Ectopic pregnancy In a healthy pregnancy, the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter.

Show references Cunningham FG, et al. Implantation and placental development. In: Williams Obstetrics. McGraw-Hill Education; Accessed Dec. Tulandi T. Ectopic pregnancy: Epidemiology, risk factors, and anatomic sites.