Medicines for Ectopic pregnancy

What it is

An ectopic pregnancy is one that implants and grows outside the womb, most often in a fallopian tube. Because these locations cannot support a developing pregnancy, it cannot continue safely, and as it grows it can cause the tube to rupture and bleed internally, which is dangerous. Symptoms usually appear in the early weeks and can include one-sided tummy or pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding or brown discharge, shoulder-tip pain, and pain on passing urine or stool; a ruptured ectopic can cause collapse. Risk is higher with previous tubal problems, previous ectopic pregnancy, and some other factors. Any woman who could be pregnant with these symptoms needs urgent assessment.

How it is treated

An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency and always managed by a specialist team. Diagnosis uses pregnancy tests, blood tests and ultrasound. Treatment depends on the situation and how unwell the woman is: options include close monitoring in selected early cases, medicine to stop the pregnancy developing, or surgery (often keyhole) to remove the ectopic pregnancy, sometimes with the affected tube. If there is heavy internal bleeding, emergency surgery is needed. Emotional support is important, as an ectopic pregnancy is the loss of a pregnancy. Most women can go on to have healthy pregnancies afterwards.