Can an ectopic pregnancy be carried to term?

Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
Updated on April 10, 2025
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Currently, an ectopic pregnancy has been confirmed. An ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation or pregnancy occurring outside the uterine cavity, typically indicating poor embryonic development. Most commonly, the pregnancy implants in the fallopian tubes, known as a tubal pregnancy. Generally, around eight weeks after cessation of menstruation, the pregnancy sac can cause the fallopian tube wall to burst, leading to significant bleeding due to rupture. Therefore, in ectopic pregnancies, there is no normal embryonic tissue in the uterine cavity, and there is no possibility of childbirth. Once an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, it is necessary to administer timely medical or surgical treatment to avoid severe bleeding and life-threatening situations. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
1min 4sec home-news-image

How to check for an ectopic pregnancy?

The examination for an ectopic pregnancy is divided into two steps, the first step is to confirm whether one is pregnant. Then, pregnancy can be detected either by a pregnancy test strip or the most accurate method, which is through a blood test. Once pregnancy is confirmed, the second step involves an ultrasound examination. A blood test only indicates whether or not one is pregnant, but an ultrasound can specifically determine whether it is an intrauterine pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy. If it is an intrauterine pregnancy, the pregnancy can simply continue. If it is an ectopic pregnancy, surgical or medical treatment is necessary. On an ultrasound, an ectopic pregnancy is indicated by the absence of a gestational sac within the uterine cavity, but a gestational sac or mass is found outside the uterus, which confirms the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy.

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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.

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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 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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home-news-image
Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
59sec home-news-image

Can an ectopic pregnancy be carried to term?

Currently, an ectopic pregnancy has been confirmed. An ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation or pregnancy occurring outside the uterine cavity, typically indicating poor embryonic development. Most commonly, the pregnancy implants in the fallopian tubes, known as a tubal pregnancy. Generally, around eight weeks after cessation of menstruation, the pregnancy sac can cause the fallopian tube wall to burst, leading to significant bleeding due to rupture. Therefore, in ectopic pregnancies, there is no normal embryonic tissue in the uterine cavity, and there is no possibility of childbirth. Once an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, it is necessary to administer timely medical or surgical treatment to avoid severe bleeding and life-threatening situations. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)