What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
March 20, 2007
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus. They can be the result of several factors. An ectopic pregnancy is very serious and requires immediate medical intervention.
A woman can have an ectopic pregnancy for a number of reasons. Women who have had surgical procedures in the pelvic region could have adhesions or scar tissue that prevents the fertilized egg from moving down into the uterus for implantation. If there is a genetic defect within the fallopian tube, this could make it difficult for the egg to pass and it will begin to grow inside of the tube.
Certain women may be more apt to experience an ectopic pregnancy than others. Women over the age of thirty five have an increased chance of a pregnancy becoming ectopic. Women who are seeking to become pregnant after a reversed tubal ligation could have an ectopic pregnancy. The new fallopian tube lumen could be narrower than before and thus cause problems for the passing egg. If a woman has already had an ectopic pregnancy, this increases her chances of another if the factors that existed before are still present.
How do you know for sure if an ectopic pregnancy has occurred? A woman will experience severe pain in her pelvis and abdomen. If the egg has grown large enough to rupture the fallopian tube, then there could be bleeding. Because of the loss of blood in the body cavity, weakness and dizziness could occur also. If any of these symptoms are happening to you, get to a gynecologist right away. There are ways that they can diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.
The gynecologist will do a pelvic exam. They can determine if there is abnormal bleeding. Tests can be done to determine the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is secreted from the fertilized egg when it becomes implanted. An ectopic pregnancy may be suspected if the hormone is present but the level is too low.
An ectopic pregnancy can be treated with medication or surgery. The purpose of any medication used to treat an ectopic pregnancy would be to help the tissue detach, slough off, and pass out of the body. Levels of hCG would be monitored to make sure that the ectopic contents had been completely removed. If the fallopian tube has ruptured, then surgery needs to be done immediately. The procedure is called a laparoscopy. The surgeon will visualize the ruptured embryo and use specialized instruments to remove the ruptured tissue from the body.
If you are at risk for an ectopic pregnancy, talk to your gynecologist. Monitoring from the start can possibly prevent this type of traumatic occurrence. And, if one is suspected, seek medical help right away.
More Resources:
Don’t wait until AFTER the baby arrives to start thinking about getting back in shape. You’ll find plenty of advice in the Slim Mom Secrets guide, including TRIMESTER by TRIMESTER videos and audio recordings to help you stay fit and healthy during and after pregnancy. Your baby and your hormones will thank you!
Keep up with what’s happening at Mom’s Talk Network, by clicking here.
Posted by admin | Filed Under Pregnancy
Similar Posts
- Getting Pregnant Tips
- Baby Gender Selection - Can You Choose Your Baby’s Sex?
- Baby First Trimester: A Time of Change