Key Differences Between an Ectopic And Normal Pregnancies

As a gynaecologist, one of the most common questions I hear from my patients regarding pregnancy is “what is an ectopic pregnancy?”

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus and cannot develop normally.

It’s a serious medical condition for both mother and baby; however, it can be treated if caught early.

Understanding what an ectopic pregnancy is – as well as how it differs from a normal intrauterine (in the uterus) pregnancy – will provide you with more information to better care for yourself during this delicate time in your life.

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1. What is Normal Preganancy?
2. What is Ectopic Pregnancy?
3. Difference Between Ectopic & Normal Intrauterine Pregnancy

What is Normal Pregnancy?

Normal pregnancy, or intrauterine pregnancy, is when a fertilized egg implants itself inside the uterus and develops normally.

This type of pregnancy typically results in the delivery of one or more healthy babies at full term.

During normal pregnancies, the mother experiences many common symptoms such as nausea and morning sickness during the first trimester, breast tenderness and fatigue throughout, and increased abdominal size as the baby grows.

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What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus instead of inside it.

It is also known as tubal pregnancy because most ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube (the tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus). Other sites of implantation are the ovary, cervix, or abdomen.

Ectopic pregnancies are dangerous for both mother and baby because they cannot develop normally outside of the uterus.

The fetus does not have enough space to grow and can cause complications such as rupture or bleeding of the fallopian tube, leading to serious complications or even death if left untreated.

Key Differences between an Ectopic Pregnancy & a Normal Intrauterine Pregnancy

The key difference between an ectopic pregnancy and normal intrauterine pregnancy is that the fertilized egg implants itself.

In a normal pregnancy, it implants itself inside the uterus; in an ectopic pregnancy, it implants itself somewhere else. Other differences include: 

• Normal pregnancies typically cause many common symptoms such as nausea and morning sickness. Ectopic pregnancies, however, often come with very mild or no symptoms at all.

• Normal pregnancies can develop into healthy babies at full term; ectopic pregnancies cannot develop normally outside of the uterus and so must be terminated for the safety of both mother and baby.

• The diagnosis also differs between normal and ectopic pregnancies: in a normal pregnancy, you will usually have a positive pregnancy test followed by an ultrasound to confirm; in an ectopic pregnancy, you may have a positive pregnancy test but then subsequent tests like ultrasound, will not show a viable intrauterine pregnancy.

It’s important to understand the difference between a normal pregnancy and an ectopic pregnancy so that you can get the proper diagnosis if needed.

If you feel any signs or symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.

An early diagnosis may prevent complications in the future and ensure your safety during this delicate time.