Ectopic and molar pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy grows outside the uterus and cannot continue. A molar pregnancy is abnormal placental tissue. Both are losses that need medical care.

What it is

An ectopic pregnancy, often called tubal, implants outside the uterus, 9 in 10 times in a fallopian tube. It cannot survive, and if the tube bursts it is life-threatening. About 1 to 2 in 100 pregnancies are ectopic.

A molar pregnancy is rarer, about 1 in 1,000. The placenta grows as a mass of abnormal cells and there is no baby who can grow. Both are losses.

What's typical

Ectopic is usually found between weeks six and eight. If found early and unruptured, a medication called methotrexate can end it, with blood tests over weeks to confirm. Otherwise it is surgery, often removing the tube. After a molar pregnancy, blood tests are tracked for months, and providers ask you to wait to conceive until they are done.

What's known

ACOG describes methotrexate and surgery as both safe in the right cases. Providers usually ask for a wait after methotrexate before trying again; ask how long. Most mothers go on to a normal pregnancy after either loss, and one healthy tube is enough. This grief is often rushed past; loss groups exist for it.

What helps

Rest like surgery, because it often is. Two weeks of no lifting and someone else cooking.
Name it as a loss, out loud. It was a pregnancy you wanted.

When to call someone

Nowsudden severe belly pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, or fainting with a positive test. Call 911.
Nowthoughts of ending your life. Call or text 988.
At your next visitask what it means for your tubes, your wait time, and early scans next time.

Who helps

OB-GYNPerinatal therapist Midwife

Tools: My Birth Team

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Sources

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Ectopic pregnancy FAQ
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Tubal ectopic pregnancy practice bulletin
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust — After an ectopic pregnancy

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