1. Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy which occurs in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus.

2. As the tube is very flimsy and narrow structure, as the pregnancy grows it has very high chance of rupture. Rupture of the tube leads to bleeding inside the abdomen that can kill the patient.

3. Early diagnosis is difficult in unexperienced hands.

4. It is more common in women who have history of repeated pelvic infections, multiple partners, history of MTP.

5. Most of the time treatment requires surgical removal of the involved tube.

6. By chance if without diagnosis, abortion pills are taken and the pregnancy is ectopic, it can rupture on taking the pill and this can be life threatening.

7. If diagnosed very early it can be treated with medication (and the tube can be saved).

8. In this kind of pregnancy sometimes there is no history of missed periods.

9. Sometimes a few days of missed period, with mild pain, vaginal bleeding and visual blackout can be the presenting symptom.

10. Once this kind of pregnancy bursts inside the abdomen, very quickly patient drifts into shock and death.

Prevention

•   You cannot always prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but you can reduce your risk of having one by protecting yourself against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)/STDs
•   The male condom is the most effective method of preventing STDs.
•   It's also important to have regular sexual health check-ups, once you are sexually active.
•   With a doubt of pregnancy, one should contact a gynaecologist.
•   Over the counter abortion pills can be dangerous.