Ectopic Pregnancy - A Better Understanding http://doulatraininghq.com/

1. Ectopic Pregnancy - A
Better Understanding
By David Brewer

2. • The dictionary definition of the word 'Ectopic' is
an organ or body part existing in an unusual
position or form. In simple terms, an ectopic
pregnancy is a pregnancy, which is developing in
the wrong place. An ectopic pregnancy occurs
when the fertilized egg (or ovum) fails to move
down the fallopian tube and into the womb (or
uterus) in the normal manner.

3. • Instead, the egg or ovum implants itself outside
of the womb. Most often, (in 95% of cases),
ectopic pregnancies develop in a fallopian tube
and rarely, elsewhere in the abdominal cavity or
pelvic area.

4. What Causes An Ectopic
Pregnancy?
• Sometimes the ovum fails to implant itself and it becomes
fertilized outside of the reproductive system. More
commonly, the fertilized ovum is trapped, in the fallopian
tube and the baby continues to grow inside the tube where
it can cause the tube to burst or otherwise severely
damage it. A burst tube is life threatening and requires
urgent medical attention.

5. • In many cases, ectopic pregnancies occur when the
expectant mother has damaged fallopian tube(s). Tubes
damaged, by infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease
or by previous surgery, scar tissue, endometriosis or
previous ectopic pregnancies are a high-risk factor, which
significantly, increase the likelihood of a pregnancy being
ectopic.

6. What Are The Warning Signs Of
An Ectopic Pregnancy?
• Pain In the Abdomen
• Pain in the Shoulder
• Pain Using the Lavatory
• Other Warning Signs
• Vaginal bleeding or unusual periods
• Sickness
• Diarrhoea
• Pallid complexion (paleness)
• Light-headedness
• Collapse
• Increasing pulse rate
• Falling blood pressures