$80,000 and 5 ER visits: An ectopic pregnancy takes a toll

A color-enhanced scan of an ectopic pregnancy, which develops outside the uterus — often inside a fallopian tube. Such pregnancies are never viable and, unless ended, can lead to rupture of the tube, severe bleeding and even death. (James Cavallini/Science Source)

When Sara Laub's period was late, the New York City resident shrugged it off. She'd used an intrauterine device, or IUD, for three years and knew her odds of getting pregnant were extremely slim. But after 10 days had passed, Laub, 28, took a home test in early July and got unwelcome news: She was pregnant.

Laub went to a Planned Parenthood clinic because she knew someone could see her immediately there. An ultrasound found no sign of a developing embryo in her uterus. That pointed to the possibility that Laub might have an ectopic pregnancy, in which a fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.