During pregnancy, typically the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube to reach the mother's womb. However, in some cases the egg fails to reach the womb but gets lodged in the fallopian tube, where it continues to grow. This is known as 'ectopic' or 'tubal' pregnancy. More rarely, the fertilized egg lodges in the cervix, abdomen, or c-section scar, and is known as heterotopic pregnancy.
If an ectopic pregnancy is left untreated, the embryo will continue to grow till it ruptures the fallopian tube. This could result in complications, and may even be fatal for the expecting mother. Since there is no way to move the egg into the womb, ectopic pregnancies are terminated.
Risks
Your spouse is at greater risk of ectopic pregnancy in the following situations:
* Her pregnancy occurs even though she had a tubal ligation (surgical sterilization)
* She had an intrauterine device (IUD) when she became pregnant
* She has undergone surgery of the fallopian tubes
* She previously had an ecoptic pregnancy
* She has an infection in the upper reproductive tract (pelvic inflammatory disease or PID)
* She has been treated for infertility because of damaged tubes
Symptoms
Ectopic pregnancy is usually diagnosed around six weeks of pregnancy. Your spouse should consult her obstetrician if she has any of the following symptoms:
* Pain or tenderness in the abdomen or pelvis, especially while coughing or moving bowels, and which may become more severe or chronic with time
* Vaginal bleeding
* Shoulder pain, especially while lying down
* Symptoms of shock, such as a weak, racing pulse, pale and clammy skin, or dizziness, which may indicate a ruptured tube that requires urgent attention
Diagnosis
Ectopic pregnancies are often difficult to diagnose. However, based on the symptoms, the obstetrician may prescribe any of the following tests:
* Blood test
* Vaginal examination
* Ultrasound
If the tests are still inconclusive, the obstetrician may suggest examination of the fallopian tubes using laparoscopic surgery.
Treatment
If the embryo is still small, the may be terminated by injecting the drug methotrexate. However, in more advanced cases, or where the medication is not advisable, a surgery may be required.
An ectopic pregnancy can be very dangerous and endanger a mother’s life. Therefore, it is very important to get an early diagnosis. In order to do so, you should learn the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy if you are of child bearing age, so that you are well informed and can possibly preempt a dangerous situation.
Ectopic pregnancy refers to the situation when an embryo implants into the fallopian tube, cervix, ovary or abdomen instead of the uterus. Most of the time, this implantation occurs in the fallopian tube and is commonly referred to as a tubal pregnancy. It is rare that an implantation occurs in the cervix, ovary or abdomen, but these are referred to as cervical, ovarian or abdominal pregnancies. The uterus is designed to support a pregnancy. It can expand to six hundred times its original size and it has the nutrients and vascular support to accommodate a growing fetus. Other organs can not expand and a growing fetus will eventually rupture the organ. This situation can be deadly for the mother because of the mass amount of blood that is generally lost during a rupture.
The signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are generally the same as the early signs of a normal pregnancy. Breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, missed menstrual periods and fatigue are common symptoms of a normal or ectopic pregnancy. One main difference to look for is severe pain. Sharp stabbing pains, usually on one side can suggest an ectopic pregnancy. Sometimes the pains will come and go. Vaginal bleeding and spotting are other signs that you may have an ectopic pregnancy.
If you have a rupture, then you will have more severe symptoms and need to be taken to the emergency room as soon as possible. You may experience pain in your neck or shoulder, especially when you lay down, due to pooling blood irritating the nerves. You may feel lightheaded or pass out. You may have cold sweats and a rapid heartbeat. Abdominal or pelvic pain at this point will be severe enough that you can not stand.
If you and your doctor suspect an ectopic pregnancy, then a pelvic ultrasound can usually locate the embryo. Blood test will tell your doctor what stage of pregnancy you are in and confirm the presence of an embryo. If it can not be seen through ultrasound, then your doctor will monitor you every one to three days to confirm that the pregnancy is misplaced. If you have internal bleeding, then you may be rushed to surgery.
If you even suspect an ectopic pregnancy, don’t hesitate to get a confirmed diagnosis. There is no way that a baby can fully develop outside of the uterus and the ectopic pregnancy does not represent a viable fetus. It must be removed as soon as possible to save the mother’s life. It is very important that you realize the severity of a possible ectopic pregnancy and get medical attention very quickly if you suspect that you may have one.
Both Paulb & Infertility Specialist are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Paulb has sinced written about articles on various topics from Shopping, Pregnancy Problems and Breastfeeding. Paul Banas was looking for a business idea that would allow him the flexibility to spend time with his family. Paul Banas is a founder of http://www.greatdad.com - a leading source of experience, recommendations, inspiration and. Paulb's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.
Infertility Specialist has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy, Pregnancy Problems and IVF Pregnancy. About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter, the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more info. Infertility Specialist's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.