Frequency of ectopic pregnancy in primigravida presented at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of ectopic pregnancy among primigravida women presenting to a tertiary care hospital and to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with its occurrence. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana, from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025. A total of 155 primigravida women aged 18–40 years with a gestational age of more than eight weeks were enrolled using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Demographic and clinical information, including age, body mass index, family history of ectopic pregnancy, contraceptive use, residence, occupation, and lifestyle characteristics, was collected using a structured proforma. All participants underwent ultrasonographic evaluation and serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin assessment for diagnosis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed in 32 of 155 participants, resulting in an overall frequency of 20.6%. The mean age of women with ectopic pregnancy was 27.8 ± 5.4 years, and most cases occurred in the 21–30-year age group (62.5%). Tubal pregnancy was the most common implantation site, accounting for 84.4% of cases. Family history of ectopic pregnancy (p=0.002), previous contraceptive use (p=0.011), and urban residence (p=0.037) were significantly associated with ectopic pregnancy. Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy constituted a considerable proportion of pregnancies among primigravida women. Early recognition of high-risk women and timely ultrasonographic evaluation may facilitate prompt diagnosis and reduce maternal morbidity.