In an ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. Symptoms include severe pain in the lower abdomen and vaginal bleeding. If the pregnancy continues, the tube may rupture, causing internal bleeding and shock; this may be life-threatening and requires emergency medical help.
Most ectopic pregnancies are discovered early.
In such cases, treatment may involve monitoring, as the egg may die naturally, or, if that does not occur, treatment is with medication to end the pregnancy or surgery to remove the fertilized egg.
