Can an ectopic pregnancy result in a live birth?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on April 17, 2025
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In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, it is necessary to terminate the pregnancy promptly. The pregnancy cannot continue, nor can it reach full term. Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of a fertilized egg in a location outside the uterine cavity, known as an ectopic pregnancy. Normally, after the sperm and egg combine, implantation should occur in the uterine cavity for a normal pregnancy, since the uterus is the site where the fetus is nurtured. The uterus can expand gradually as the pregnancy sac grows, until the baby is delivered month by month. However, in an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo does not implant in the uterus, it does not expand with the growth of the pregnancy sac. Therefore, as it progresses, it can lead to rupture of the implantation site, causing bleeding, fainting, shock, and potentially leading to severe consequences.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the early signs of an ectopic pregnancy?

The precursors of an ectopic pregnancy can manifest as unilateral lower abdominal dropping pain, and there may be irregular vaginal bleeding. After 50 days of pregnancy, the gestational sac is not visible in the uterine cavity, and the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are atypical. Some people may experience severe bleeding and go into shock. In cases of ectopic pregnancy, it is imperative to go to the hospital for an ultrasound to determine the size and location of the gestational sac and confirm whether it is an ectopic pregnancy. Timely hospitalization and treatment are necessary if an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed.

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Written by Su Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy, also known as extrauterine pregnancy, refers to the implantation of the gestational sac outside the uterine cavity. For example, in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the cornual region, etc., leading to a series of symptoms known as ectopic pregnancy. Typically, symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include a history of amenorrhea, where most individuals have a long or short history of missed periods. The second symptom is bleeding, which can be irregular, minor vaginal bleeding or significant bleeding, as well as bleeding within the abdominal cavity, which can lead to hemorrhagic shock in severe cases. Additionally, abdominal pain may occur, manifesting as sudden, tearing-like lower abdominal pain, or irregular referred pain.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
41sec home-news-image

Can you have intercourse with an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy and sexual intercourse often occur when the patient is unaware, specifically during the early stages when there is no bleeding, no abdominal pain, and only amenorrhea is present; intercourse might occur under these circumstances. However, if there is irregular vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain, suspecting an ectopic pregnancy, it is advised not to have intercourse. This is because intercourse can cause excitement, which might lead some ectopic pregnancy masses to rupture, potentially causing severe bleeding.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
1min 2sec home-news-image

Can an ectopic pregnancy result in a live birth?

In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, it is necessary to terminate the pregnancy promptly. The pregnancy cannot continue, nor can it reach full term. Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of a fertilized egg in a location outside the uterine cavity, known as an ectopic pregnancy. Normally, after the sperm and egg combine, implantation should occur in the uterine cavity for a normal pregnancy, since the uterus is the site where the fetus is nurtured. The uterus can expand gradually as the pregnancy sac grows, until the baby is delivered month by month. However, in an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo does not implant in the uterus, it does not expand with the growth of the pregnancy sac. Therefore, as it progresses, it can lead to rupture of the implantation site, causing bleeding, fainting, shock, and potentially leading to severe consequences.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
1min 4sec home-news-image

Does an ectopic pregnancy hurt in the early stages?

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of the gestational sac outside the uterine cavity, with common implantation sites including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic cavity. Early ectopic pregnancy can also cause some pain, with common reasons for the pain including the following: First, the main reason is the enlargement of the uterus under the stimulation of estrogen and progesterone in the body, which pulls on the surrounding tissues and ligaments, such as the round ligament of the uterus, uterosacral ligaments, or bilateral adnexa, causing lower abdominal traction pain. This presents as a feeling of heaviness or menstrual-like sensation. This pain is a normal physiological manifestation during early pregnancy and is present in both intrauterine and ectopic pregnancies. Second, in early ectopic pregnancy, sometimes the gestational sac can cause mild irritation and pressure on local tissues, leading to mild localized pain, which is often not very noticeable.