Ectopic Pregnancies

Source: TH

Context: A rare case of an intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy was reported in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, where a foetus was found growing inside the liver.

About Ectopic Pregnancies:

• What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

• An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube. Since only the uterus can support a growing foetus, such pregnancies cannot proceed normally and require urgent medical attention.

• An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube.

• Since only the uterus can support a growing foetus, such pregnancies cannot proceed normally and require urgent medical attention.

• How Does It Occur?

• Normally, the fertilised egg travels from the ovary to the uterus via the fallopian tube. If the egg’s path is blocked—due to inflammation, scarring, surgery, or structural abnormalities—it may implant in other areas like: Fallopian tube (tubal pregnancy) Ovary Abdominal cavity Cervix

• Normally, the fertilised egg travels from the ovary to the uterus via the fallopian tube.

• If the egg’s path is blocked—due to inflammation, scarring, surgery, or structural abnormalities—it may implant in other areas like: Fallopian tube (tubal pregnancy) Ovary Abdominal cavity Cervix

• Fallopian tube (tubal pregnancy)

• Abdominal cavity

• Symptoms:

• Early signs may mimic normal pregnancy (missed period, breast tenderness) Danger signs include: Sharp abdominal or pelvic pain, Vaginal bleeding, Dizziness or fainting, Shoulder pain, and Low blood pressure. A ruptured fallopian tube is a life-threatening emergency.

• Early signs may mimic normal pregnancy (missed period, breast tenderness)

• Danger signs include: Sharp abdominal or pelvic pain, Vaginal bleeding, Dizziness or fainting, Shoulder pain, and Low blood pressure.

• A ruptured fallopian tube is a life-threatening emergency.

• Prevalence:

• A 2023 Indian study noted 0.91–2.3% incidence in hospitals. Globally, ectopic pregnancies have declined (1990–2019) but remain high in low- socio-demographic index (SDI) countries, as per a 2025 global study.

• A 2023 Indian study noted 0.91–2.3% incidence in hospitals.

• Globally, ectopic pregnancies have declined (1990–2019) but remain high in low- socio-demographic index (SDI) countries, as per a 2025 global study.

• Diagnosis and Treatment:

• Diagnosed through blood tests, urine tests, and transvaginal ultrasound. Most are identified in early pregnancy stages.

• Diagnosed through blood tests, urine tests, and transvaginal ultrasound.

• Most are identified in early pregnancy stages.

• Treatment Options:

• Medical Management: Methotrexate halts cell growth and dissolves embryonic tissue. Only effective in unruptured, early-stage ectopic pregnancies. Surgical Intervention: Laparoscopic surgery removes the embryo or the affected fallopian tube. Emergency surgery may be needed in the event of a rupture.

• Medical Management: Methotrexate halts cell growth and dissolves embryonic tissue. Only effective in unruptured, early-stage ectopic pregnancies.

• Methotrexate halts cell growth and dissolves embryonic tissue.

• Only effective in unruptured, early-stage ectopic pregnancies.

• Surgical Intervention: Laparoscopic surgery removes the embryo or the affected fallopian tube. Emergency surgery may be needed in the event of a rupture.

• Laparoscopic surgery removes the embryo or the affected fallopian tube.

• Emergency surgery may be needed in the event of a rupture.