Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Ectopic Pregnancy

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy most often occurs in a fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

Insight:

• Pregnancy begins with a fertilized egg. Normally, the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.
• An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus.
• The patients may not notice any symptoms at first. However, some women who have an ectopic pregnancy have the usual early signs or symptoms of pregnancy—a missed period, breast tenderness, and nausea.
• If the patient takes a pregnancy test, the result will be positive. Still, an ectopic pregnancy can't continue as normal.
• First warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.
• Risk factors include previous ectopic pregnancy, inflammation or infection, fertility treatments, tubal surgery, birth control, and smoking
• Treatment would include methotrexate as an injection. Also, procedures such as laparoscopic salpingostomy and salpingectomy may be conducted.

Source:

Ectopic pregnancy - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic