Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy

What is Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy

Ruptured ectopic pregnancy is when the fallopian tube tears or bursts. An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg attaches (implants) outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. This results in internal bleeding, intense abdominal pain, and sometimes, vaginal bleeding.

Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube. In rare cases, it may occur on the ovary, intestine, pelvis, or cervix. An ectopic pregnancy does not have the ability to develop into a normal, healthy baby.

A ruptured ectopic pregnancy can affect your ability to have children (fertility), depending on damage it causes to your reproductive organs.

Ruptured ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. If not treated immediately, it can lead to blood loss, shock, or even death.

What are the causes?

Most ectopic pregnancies are caused by damage to the fallopian tubes. The damage prevents the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. In some cases, the cause may not be known.

What increases the risk?

You are at increased risk for an ectopic pregnancy if:

  • You have had a previous ectopic pregnancy.
  • You have had previous fallopian tube surgery.
  • You have had previous surgery to have the fallopian tubes tied (tubal ligation).
  • You have had infertility treatments or have a history of infertility.
  • You have been exposed to DES. DES is a medicine that was used until 1971 and had effects on babies whose mothers took the medicine.
  • You use an IUD (intrauterine device) for birth control.
  • You use progestin-only oral contraception for birth control.
  • You have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
  • You have a history of endometriosis.
  • You smoke.
  • You became sexually active before 18 years of age.
  • You have multiple sexual partners.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and internal bleeding may include:

  • Sudden, severe pain in the abdomen and pelvis.
  • Dizziness or fainting.
  • Pain in the shoulder area.
  • Vaginal bleeding.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on your medical history, symptoms, a physical exam, and tests, which may include:

  • A pregnancy test.
  • An ultrasound.
  • Measuring the levels of the pregnancy hormone in the bloodstream.
  • Taking a sample of tissue from the uterus (dilation and curettage, D&C).
  • Surgery to visually examine the inside of the abdomen using a lighted tube (laparoscopy).

How is this treated?

This condition is treated with IV fluids and emergency surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy and repair the area where the rupture occured.

If you have lost a lot of blood, you may need a blood transfusion.

If you are Rh negative and your baby’s father is Rh positive, or the Rh type of the father is unknown, you may receive a Rho (D) immune globulin shot. This is to prevent Rh problems in future pregnancies.

Additional medicines may be given.

Get help right away if:

  • You are taking medicines to treat an ectopic pregnancy and you develop symptoms of a rupture. These include:
    • Fever or chills.
    • Shoulder pain.
    • Vaginal bleeding.
    • Nausea and vomiting.
    • Severe abdominal pain or cramping.
    • Feeling light-headed or fainting.

Summary

  • An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg attaches (implants) outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy is when the fallopian tube tears or bursts.
  • Ruptured ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. If not treated immediately, it can lead to blood loss, shock, or even death.
  • This condition is treated with IV fluids and emergency surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy and repair the area where the rupture occured. If you have lost a lot of blood, you may need a blood transfusion.
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