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Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a very serious condition when the pregnancy develops outside of the uterus, normally in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancy symptoms can be similar to miscarriage, because the signs and symptoms of are also abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Although in this case, the vaginal bleeding is more severe than the abdominal pain.
The fertilization of an egg usually occurs in the fallopian tube, and then it travels through the tube towards the uterus, and implants itself on the cavity wall. An ectopic pregnancy will occur, when the egg implants itself outside the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tube itself. At this point, you won't experience any signs or symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. In addition, there are other locations in which ectopic pregnancy may occur, such as in the ovary, the cervix, or other places found near or in the abdomen. About 15 of all pregnancies result in ectopic pregnancy. Pregnant women who experience Pelvis Inflammatory Disease have an increased chance of developing an ectopic pregnancy. This is caused by the damage to the fallopian tube.
Signs and Symptoms
There are a few signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and tenderness of the breast or nausea. However, these signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are difficult to diagnose since many of these signs and symptoms can be present in a normal pregnancy as well. Other ectopic pregnancy signs and symptoms may also include dizziness or fainting, a missed period, or low blood pressure if vaginal bleeding is severe. If you experience any of the signs and symptoms that we have listed, be sure to contact your healthcare provider and have them check to see ifyour pregnancy is normal.
Treatment
If you have been tested positive for an ectopic pregnancy, your healthcare provider will want to end the pregnancy, while keeping fertility intact. Surgical treatments require general anesthesia, laparoscopy or laparotomy. In many instance, it might be necessary to remove the fallopian tube in which the ectopic pregnancy is occurring, which can unfortunately affect fertility. Please remember an ectopic pregnancy is a difficult kind of pregnancy, so you should have a support group during your ectopic pregnancy.
If you are suffering from an ectopic pregnancy, there is also a new, non-surgical treatment that can be done to an unruptured ectopic pregnancy. This involves the use of a cancer drug, called methotextrate, which is given by IV in the hospital or an outpatient facility. Unfortunately, this form of treatment will terminate your pregnancy, and the signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy that you were experiencing will soon go away. It is very important to catch the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy as soon as possible, and they should be taken seriously, as it affects both mother and baby. Again, if you are experiencing any of the ectopic pregnancy signs and symptoms, notify your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Courtesy of Pregnancyetc.com ( www.pregnancyetc.com)
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