Every month we will identify the most commonly asked questions about ectopic pregnancy and answer them. If you have any further questions which you cannot find answers to on the website, please can you contact us.
Are there different sorts of Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside side the uterine cavity. The most common site is in the Fallopian tube, with other sites being much less common. These sites include the portion of the tube within the uterine wall (interstitial ectopic) and within the cervix, or the scar of previous uterine surgery, usually after a previous caesarean section(s). Pregnancy in these rare sites can provide a challenge to both. For diagnosis and treatment, please view Sites of Ectopic Pregnancy.<
Is age a risk factor for Ectopic Pregnancy?
Age may increase your chances of developing an ectopic pregnancy. This may be due to an increased rate of IVF in older women, which is known to be a risk factor. Also, older women are more likely to have previous surgeries which is also a risk factor. More information can be found on our Risk Factors for Ectopic Pregnancy page.
Is body size a risk factor for Ectopic Pregnancy?
A high BMI per se is not a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy but a high BMI can make it more difficult to treat an ectopic pregnancy. If you are being treated laparoscopically for your ectopic pregnancy. This is because of possible problems with your general anaesthetic, and it can also be more surgically challenging with the insertion of the laparoscopic trocars used in surgery. More information is available on our Surgery for Ectopic Pregnancy page.
Does an ectopic pregnancy hurt all the time?
An ectopic pregnancy typically manifests with intermittent unilateral discomfort or pain and not continuous cramping pains, which are usually present during a miscarriage. More information can be found on our Signs of Ectopic Pregnancy page.
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