What is Ectopic Pregnancy?

Getting pregnant is usually one of the most joyous moments in a woman’s life. Yet, the opposite can also be true. When a woman experiences an ectopic pregnancy, it can be one of the most devastating things that can ever happen to them.

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs when a fertilized egg somehow attaches itself to the walls of a fallopian tube instead of traveling all the way to the uterus to be implanted. This is extremely dangerous because as the egg grows, it can rupture the tube, causing intense bleeding and even death for the mother. The tube is too small to hold a pregnancy of any kind. Ectopic pregnancies occur in 1 out of every 60 pregnancies.

Ectopic Pregnancy Overview: Lists important facts about ectopic pregnancies.
MedHelp Page: More facts about ectopic pregnancies.

Risk Factors

Women who already have pelvic inflammatory disease, which affects the uterus and fallopian tubes, are at risk for having an ectopic pregnancy. If a woman has already had an ectopic pregnancy, they are at greater risk, as is anyone who has had previous abdominal or pelvic surgery. Women who have had STDs are also more likely, as are women who are between 35 and 44.

Causes and Symptoms: Outlines the causes and symptoms of ectopic pregnancies.
Risk Factors: Defines common risk factors for an ectopic pregnancy.
Risk after Sterilization: Details how tubal sterilization affects the chances of having an ectopic pregnancy.

Symptoms

Many of the symptoms that go along with an ectopic pregnancy are actually the same symptoms you get with a normal pregnancy, like an upset stomach or tender breasts. Some women also experience abnormal vaginal bleeding. They bleed when they should not be menstruating and it can be light or heavy. Stomach and pelvic pain is also very common. This pain is often very sharp and seems to come and go on its own. Dizziness or fainting due to blood loss is also common. In most cases, women do not experience any symptoms at all.

Symptoms: Explains about the symptoms in detail.
Ectopic Pregnancy Signs: Explains about other common symptoms.
Ectopic Pregnancy Information: Provides information on different aspects of an ectopic pregnancy.
Symptoms: Explains common symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.

Diagnosis

Ectopic pregnancies are usually discovered when doctors try to locate the source of abdominal pain. Usually, an ultrasound is used and the ectopic pregnancy is discovered. Doctors can also measure the level of hCG in a woman’s body. A lowered hCG reading usually means an ectopic pregnancy.

Diagnoses and Treatment: Details how these pregnancies are treated.
Diagram: A diagram showing an ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment

Nothing can be done to save an ectopic pregnancy as there is simply no medical procedure available. Usually, laparoscopic surgery is performed and the pregnancy is removed from the tubes so the mother does not end up dying due to a ruptured tube. If the pregnancy cannot be removed this way, a different type of surgery is done. Doctors will also try using Methotrexate, which helps the body absorb pregnancy tissue without affecting the fallopian tube. If the pregnancy has ruptured the tube, often times, it has to be removed, and the bleeding has to be stopped.

Treatment Types: Outlines the different types of treatment available for ectopic pregnancies.
Analysis of Risk Factors: Discusses what is most likely to cause an ectopic pregnancy.

Grieving an Ectopic Pregnancy

Women who experience ectopic pregnancies feel the same grief as those who experienced a miscarriage. They lost a baby that they wanted or even in some cases, a baby they didn’t know they wanted. The period after this can be extremely tense and painful. If a woman is having trouble processing her grief, she should turn to her friends and family or even to a professional who can help.

Images: Real images of an ectopic pregnancy.
Grieving a Lost Baby: Has information about grieving after losing a baby.

Disclaimer: The information provided within this site is not meant to be a substitute for a medical doctor's opinion. This site is for informational purposes ONLY. Please check with your medical practitioner before any type of treatment or prevention method is started.