History of Ectopic pregnancy in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 28, 2024

Ectopic pregnancy, a serious complication where the embryo implants outside the uterus, often presents with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, although less than half of those affected experience both. Pain can vary in nature and may radiate to the shoulder if bleeding extends into the abdomen. Significant blood loss can lead to rapid heartbeat, fainting, or shock. Survival of the fetus in such cases is extremely rare.

1971: Discontinuation of DES in the US

In 1971, the United States discontinued the use of Diethylstilbestrol (DES) due to its association with an elevated risk of ectopic pregnancy in women exposed to it in utero.

July 1999: Lori Dalton Gives Birth to Saige

In July 1999, Lori Dalton gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Saige, in Ogden, Utah. What made this birth unique was that Saige had developed outside the uterus, a fact that had gone unnoticed in previous ultrasounds. Both mother and baby were in perfect health.

September 1999: Jane Ingram Gives Birth to Triplets, Including Extrauterine Fetus

In September 1999, Jane Ingram, a 32-year-old English woman, gave birth to triplets: Olivia and Mary in the womb and Ronan, an extrauterine fetus, located below the womb. All three babies survived.

2003: Ectopic Pregnancies and Maternal Death Rates in the UK (2003-2005)

Between 2003 and 2005, data from the UK showed 32,100 ectopic pregnancies with 10 resulting in maternal deaths, highlighting the risk associated with ectopic pregnancies despite advances in healthcare.

2005: Ectopic Pregnancies and Maternal Death Rates in the UK (2003-2005)

2006: UK Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths Report (2006-2008)

The UK Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths reported in 2006-2008 that ectopic pregnancy was responsible for 6 maternal deaths, a rate of 0.26 per 100,000 pregnancies.

May 29, 2008: Meera Thangarajah Gives Birth to Durga

On May 29, 2008, Meera Thangarajah, a 34-year-old Australian woman, gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Durga, via Caesarean section. This birth was particularly noteworthy because Durga had developed from an ectopic pregnancy in her mother's ovary, a rare occurrence.

2008: UK Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths Report (2006-2008)

The UK Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths reported in 2006-2008 that ectopic pregnancy was responsible for 6 maternal deaths, a rate of 0.26 per 100,000 pregnancies.

2010: Review on Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy

A 2010 review suggested that tubal ectopic pregnancy is likely caused by a combination of factors: the embryo's retention within the fallopian tube due to impaired transport, and changes in the tube's environment that allow for early implantation.

2013: Randomized Study on Fertility After Ectopic Pregnancy

A 2013 randomized study investigated the impact of different treatments for ectopic pregnancy on future fertility. It found similar rates of intrauterine pregnancy after two years across radical surgery (64%), medication (67%), and conservative surgery (70%).

2015: European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Annual Congress

In 2015, The results of a 30-year study on reproductive and pregnancy outcomes were presented at the annual congress of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). The study, involving over 14,000 women, found that those with endometriosis had a 76% higher risk of miscarriage and a 270% higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.