Ectopic Pregnancies

A rare intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy was reported in Uttar Pradesh, bringing attention to a serious yet often misunderstood medical condition.

In a normal pregnancy, a fertilised egg travels through the fallopian tube and implants in the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the egg implants outside the uterus.
The most common site is the fallopian tube (tubal pregnancy). Rarely, implantation can occur on the ovary, cervix, abdominal cavity or, as in the reported case, the liver.
Since only the uterus can support a developing foetus, ectopic pregnancies cannot proceed normally and require urgent medical attention.

Possible causes include inflammation or scarring of the fallopian tubes, previous surgery, or structural abnormalities that obstruct the egg’s passage to the uterus.
Early symptoms may mimic a normal pregnancy, such as missed periods and breast tenderness. Danger signs include sharp abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, shoulder pain and low blood pressure.

Studies in India suggest that ectopic pregnancies account for roughly 1–2 % of all hospital pregnancies.
Global incidence has declined over the past few decades but remains higher in low‑resource settings.
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through blood tests, urine tests and transvaginal ultrasound.

Medical management: Methotrexate can stop cell growth and dissolve early ectopic tissue if there is no rupture.
Surgical intervention: Laparoscopic surgery may remove the ectopic tissue or the affected fallopian tube. Emergency surgery is required if the tube ruptures, as internal bleeding can be life‑threatening.
There is no way to move an ectopic pregnancy into the uterus; the focus is on protecting the mother’s health.

Awareness of ectopic pregnancies is vital for early detection and treatment. Prompt medical care can save lives and preserve fertility in many cases.