What is a Ectopic Pregnancy (Tubal Pregnancy)?
A ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus. Greater than 90% of the time in an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) the fertilzed egg will implant into the fallopian tube. Other places that where an ectopic pregnancy can implant is the ovary, abdominal cavity, pelvic cavity, or on the outside of the uterus. The woman will feel as if she is pregnant (breast tenderness, nausea and / or fatigue) but as the fetus grows it will distend and eventually rupture the fallopian tube and the ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) will outgrow its blood supply creating a non-viable fetus.
Signs and Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy (Tubal Pregnancy)
An ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) usually begins with pain that is located on one side of the lower abdominal area. Most women will describe the pain as a sharp and extremely intense. A lot of time women will have this sharp intense pain which improves slightly after the fallopian tube ruptures. However, due to the fact that there is a lot of blood associated with an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) a lot of women will either faint (pass out) or become hypotensive (low blood pressure). As the blood continues to irritate the pelvic and abdominal cavity the pain will once again intensify. Other possible signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) include vaginal bleeding and low back pain. An ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) should be handled like an emergency since there is a risk of significant amount of bleeding. To learn more Go to Sign and Symptom of Miscarriage.
Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy (Tubal Pregnancy)
The cause of an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) can be related to anything that hinders the movement of the fertilized egg through the fallopian tube and into the uterus. The most common cause of an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) is inflammation or infection of the fallopian tube. Chlamydial infection which can cause pelvic inflammatory disease is one of the most common causes of this. Other causes of an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) include anatomical abnormalities of the fallopian tube (extremely rare), endometriosis (growth of the endometrial lining outside of the uterus), scarring from previous surgeries or the use of medications that stimulate ovulation (ie. clomid). To learn more Go to Cause of Miscarriage.
Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy (Tubal Pregnancy)
An ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) has two different treatment options and it depends on how early an it is identified and what a woman decides is right for her. The first treatment option is to receive an injection of methotrexate (a chemotherapy medication which stops the fetal cells from dividing which causes a miscarriage to follow). Usually after the injection of methotrexate the woman will experience a miscarriage about two to six weeks later.
The second treatment option for a ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) is surgical removal. Laparoscopy or surgical treatment requires the woman to go into the hospital and have general anesthesia will an obstitrician makes small incisions (two to three)on the abdomen and place a camera (laparoscope) and other instruments into the body to remove the ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy). The one benefit for this treatment is that the products of conception are sent to a pathologist who can assess the fetus for abnormalities if so desired. To learn more Go to Treatment of Miscarriage.
After treament for an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) follow-up is critical to ensure the the hCG levels decrease to non-detectable levels. Also it is recommended that a couple wait at least one regular menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again after a ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy). As much as 30% of women will have difficulty getting pregnant after a ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy). Also remember to give yourself time for coping with the miscarriage.
It is recommended that a couple wait at least one regular menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again after a ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy).
