An ectopic pregnancy is defined as any pregnancy that is not located in the correct place, that is, inside the uterine cavity. therefore, a gestational sac (pregnancy) may be found in the cervix of the uterus, in the uterine horn (where the fallopian tube begins), in the fallopian tube, in the ovary, or even in the abdominal cavity.
By definition, this type of pregnancy cannot result in a viable birth and poses a danger to the woman’s life if not treated. by far the most common form of ectopic pregnancy is the one that occurs in the fallopian tube.
In most cases, diagnosis should be made with transvaginal (through the vagina) ultrasound examination and measurement of chorionic gonadotropin (the pregnancy hormone) in the woman’s blood. definitive diagnosis can be made by laparoscopy, which in most cases is also the method of treatment for ectopic pregnancy. in some cases, treatment may be achieved with a special medication (methotrexate) or, rarely, with observation. however, the usual treatment is laparoscopic removal of the fallopian tube containing the pregnancy or removal of the ectopic pregnancy alone.
