What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

December 26, 2025

An ectopic pregnancy is a non-viable pregnancy that occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the lining of the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube.

This type of pregnancy is considered a life-threatening situation as the uterus is the only place a pregnancy can implant and grow safely due to its ability to stretch from the size of a lemon to a watermelon. Other areas of the body cannot stretch like this, making ectopic pregnancies dangerous.

Scroll down to continue reading about this condition and the facts you need to know.

If you think you may be pregnant, schedule an appointment at First Choice Pregnancy Services in Las Vegas. We’ll provide a no-cost pregnancy test and, if positive, an ultrasound to ensure your pregnancy is progressing in the uterus. Plus, you’ll learn how far along you are, which is essential information when considering your options.

Why Do Ectopic Pregnancies Happen?

Ectopic pregnancies happen when a fertilized egg does not make it to the uterus and instead implants somewhere else. It’s generally caused by conditions that block or slow down the movement of the fertilized egg in the fallopian tube.

Some of the causes of this include having scar tissue, adhesions, or inflammation from a prior pelvic surgery, having fallopian tube damage from a sexually transmitted infection (STI), having an irregularly-shaped fallopian tube, or having a growth blocking your fallopian tube.

Are They Common?

Ectopic pregnancies are common enough that every pregnant woman should be screened for them at their first trimester ultrasound scan.

They happen in 2% of pregnancies, which means that 1 out of every 50 pregnant women will have an ectopic pregnancy. Based on the number of pregnant women in the United States, this is a lot of cases. The good news is that when detected early, they can be treated easily to prevent tubal rupture or life-threatening bleeding.

Will the Abortion Pill Treat Ectopic Pregnancy?

No, the abortion pill cannot treat an ectopic pregnancy because the pregnancy is not inside the uterus. However, the abortion pill will still cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding even during an ectopic pregnancy, leading women to think that the procedure worked.

However, this can be especially dangerous, as the ectopic pregnancy will then grow unchecked and become a medical emergency. This is why every woman, even those considering taking the abortion pill, should have an ultrasound scan.

Is Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment an Abortion?

No, ectopic pregnancy treatment is not an abortion because the pregnancy is non-viable (unable to survive) and threatens a woman’s life. Science has not progressed to the point of saving or transferring ectopic pregnancies.

How Can I Protect My Reproductive Health?

Confirming your pregnancy is the best first step when protecting your reproductive health. When an ectopic pregnancy causes tubal rupture (when the fallopian tube bursts), it’s painful, life-threatening, and the tube must be removed.

An ultrasound will verify the details of your pregnancy and rule out this complication. It will tell you the location of your pregnancy, how far along you are (gestational age), and whether or not your pregnancy is progressing with a detectable heartbeat.

First Choice Pregnancy Services is here to help. Contact us today.