Surreal digital illustration of a cornual pregnancy.

Cornual Pregnancy: What You Need to Know About This Rare Ectopic Pregnancy

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding the diagnosis and management of cornual pregnancy for better outcomes."

Pregnancy is often associated with joy and anticipation, but sometimes complications arise that can threaten a woman's health and well-being. One such complication is cornual pregnancy, a rare and potentially life-threatening form of ectopic pregnancy. Unlike a typical pregnancy where the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, in a cornual pregnancy, implantation occurs in the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube, where it connects to the uterus. This location makes diagnosis challenging and increases the risk of uterine rupture, leading to severe hemorrhage and potentially maternal mortality.

Cornual pregnancy represents only 2-4% of all ectopic pregnancies, making it a relatively uncommon occurrence. However, its unique location and potential for catastrophic rupture necessitate a high index of suspicion and prompt intervention. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to preserving a woman's reproductive health and ensuring a favorable outcome.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of cornual pregnancy, including its definition, risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies. By increasing awareness and understanding of this rare condition, we hope to empower women and healthcare providers to recognize and address cornual pregnancy effectively, ultimately improving maternal outcomes.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cornual Pregnancy?

Surreal digital illustration of a cornual pregnancy.

The signs and symptoms of cornual pregnancy can be subtle and often mimic those of a normal pregnancy or other types of ectopic pregnancies. This can make early diagnosis challenging. However, some common symptoms may raise suspicion, prompting further investigation:

Symptoms of Cornual Pregnancy:

Abdominal pain: Lower abdominal pain, which may be sharp, stabbing, or cramping, is a common symptom. The pain may be localized to one side of the abdomen or may be more generalized.
Vaginal bleeding: Spotting or light vaginal bleeding may occur, similar to a threatened miscarriage. However, the bleeding may also be heavier and more prolonged.
Pelvic pain: A feeling of pressure or discomfort in the pelvic region may be present.
Shoulder tip pain: This is a classic sign of intra-abdominal bleeding, which may occur if the cornual pregnancy ruptures.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: These symptoms may indicate blood loss due to rupture.
Symptoms of early pregnancy: Nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and fatigue may also be present.

It's important to note that not all women with cornual pregnancy will experience all of these symptoms. Some may have only mild symptoms, while others may present with acute abdominal pain and signs of shock due to rupture. Any woman experiencing these symptoms, especially in the early weeks of pregnancy, should seek prompt medical attention to rule out ectopic pregnancy and other potential complications.

The Importance of Early Detection and Management

Cornual pregnancy, though rare, poses significant risks to women's health and fertility. Early detection through heightened awareness, thorough clinical evaluation, and appropriate use of imaging modalities is paramount. Prompt and tailored management, considering the woman's individual circumstances and desires for future fertility, can minimize complications and optimize outcomes. By fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and empowering women with knowledge about this condition, we can strive to improve the reproductive well-being of women at risk for cornual pregnancy.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is a cornual pregnancy, and how does it differ from a typical pregnancy?

A cornual pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy where the fertilized egg implants in the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube, specifically where it connects to the uterus. Unlike a typical pregnancy, where the implantation occurs within the uterine cavity, in a cornual pregnancy, the embryo develops outside of the main uterine body. This unique location makes diagnosis challenging and significantly increases the risk of uterine rupture, potentially leading to severe hemorrhage and maternal mortality, due to the distensibility of the implantation site.

What are the potential risks associated with cornual pregnancy, and why is early detection so crucial?

Cornual pregnancy carries significant risks, primarily due to the location of implantation. The interstitial portion of the fallopian tube can stretch and expand as the pregnancy progresses, but it has a higher risk of rupture compared to the uterus. Rupture can lead to severe hemorrhage, which can be life-threatening. Early detection is crucial because it allows for timely intervention, such as medication or surgery, to remove the ectopic pregnancy before it causes serious complications. Prompt management can minimize the risk of rupture, preserve the woman's reproductive health, and ensure a favorable outcome.

What are the common symptoms that might indicate a cornual pregnancy, and why can diagnosis be challenging?

The symptoms of cornual pregnancy can be subtle and often mimic those of a normal pregnancy or other types of ectopic pregnancies, making early diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include lower abdominal pain (which may be sharp, stabbing, or cramping), vaginal bleeding (spotting or heavier bleeding), pelvic pain, shoulder tip pain (a sign of intra-abdominal bleeding), dizziness or lightheadedness (indicating blood loss), and typical early pregnancy symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness. The non-specific nature of these symptoms means that healthcare providers must maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in early pregnancy, to ensure prompt investigation and diagnosis.

How common is cornual pregnancy compared to other types of ectopic pregnancies?

Cornual pregnancy is relatively uncommon, accounting for only 2-4% of all ectopic pregnancies. However, despite its rarity, it is a dangerous condition due to its potential for uterine rupture and severe complications. Because of these risks, it's crucial for both women and healthcare providers to be aware of cornual pregnancy and its associated risks. Early recognition and intervention are critical to improving maternal outcomes and preserving reproductive health.

What steps can be taken to manage a cornual pregnancy, and what factors influence the treatment approach?

The management of a cornual pregnancy depends on factors like the gestational age, the woman's clinical condition, and her desire for future fertility. Options may include medication (such as methotrexate), surgical intervention (laparoscopy or laparotomy), or, in some cases, expectant management. The choice of treatment will be tailored to the individual circumstances, aiming to minimize complications and preserve reproductive health. Collaboration between healthcare providers and shared decision-making with the woman are essential to determine the most appropriate and effective management strategy.