What is Ectopic Pregnancy?
From LoveToKnow Pregnancy
What is Ectopic Pregnancy?
Many women wonder what is ectopic pregnancy? An ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus. Most of the time, the egg remains in the fallopian tubes; hence an ectopic pregnancy is commonly referred to as tubal pregnancy. The egg can also become implanted in the cervix, abdomen, and ovaries. If this happens, it is referred to as a cervical or abdominal pregnancy, depending upon where the egg becomes implanted.
Who is at Risk for an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Women between the ages of 35 and 44 and those who have had any of the followiong conditions are are at the highest risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
- infertility problems;
- pelvic inflammatory disease or a pelvic infection;
- a previous ectopic pregnancy;
- fallopian tube surgery, such as a tubal ligation
- IUD use with a multiple partners
The use of certain progesterone-related birth control methods and the morning-after pill might increase your chances of an ectopic pregnancy.
What are the Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Once a women answers the question what is an ectopic pregnancy, she may start wondering what the symptoms are. A woman with an ectopic pregnancy may feel the same Early Pregnancy Symptoms she might with a normal pregnancy. What will normally cue her at first that something is wrong is she might feel sharp pains in either the pelvis or abdomen that does not go away. Other common symptoms include:
- lower back pain;
- vaginal spotting or bleeding;
- low blood pressure;
- dizziness or fainting.
- pain on one side of the lower abdomen
What are the Treatment Options?
Since the fertilized egg is implanted in an area too small for a growing fetus to survive, and it can endanger the life of the mother if the organ where the egg is implanted ruptures, medical care is mandatory. If the ectopic pregnancy is caught early enough, a methotrexate injection may dissolve the egg. Once dissolved, the egg can be absorbed back into the body.
If the pregnancy has progressed beyond the point where an injection can dissolve the egg, surgery on the fallopian tube may be required. Fortunately, in many cases, laparoscopy may be used. Laparoscopy is a much less invasive form of surgery resulting in a smaller scar than a normal surgical procedure.
Can I get pregnant again if I have experienced an ectopic pregnancy?
In most cases, women who have had ectopic pregnancies can get pregnant again. You start out with two ovaries and two tubes. Even if one tube is damaged by an ectopic pregnacy, you can still conceive with the other ovary and tube. Your chances of conceiving again is largely dependent on the extent of the damage and the type of surgery required to repair or remove the organs damaged by the ectopic pregnancy. Once you have had an ectopic pregnancy, the risks increase that you would have an ectopic with another pregnacy. So, when you conceive again, seek prenatal care and an early unltrasound to rule out an ectopic or tubal pregnacy.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
If you suspect you are pregnant, the best rule of thumb is to schedule a health care visit as soon as possible. While no one can prevent an ectopic pregnancy, the sooner it is detected the better.
If your health care provider suspects an ectopic pregnnacy, or a pregnancy that isn't developing correctly, they will suggest doing comparison hCG levels and an unltrasound. HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced by the placenta. If the hCG levels are lower than expected, a chance exists you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. Your OB provider will examine you with a pelvic exam, further hCG level tests, and an ultrasound to confirm a viable pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and experiencing any of the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, call your health care provider immediately. The sooner your condition is diagnosed, the sooner you can limit the damage to your organs and increase your chance of experiencing a normal pregnancy the next time. If you are still wondering what is an ectopic pregnancy, you should contact your care provider to answer your questions.
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