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What Is Ectopic Pregnancy?
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. 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. For example, an egg can attach itself on an ovary, on the
neck of the womb (cervix) or on another organ within the pelvic or abdominal
area (1.5% abdominal, 0.5% ovarian & 0.03% cervical). Ectopic pregnancies do not
usually survive and many will result in a spontaneous miscarriage, others will
develop until a serious problem becomes apparent, which will require immediate
medical attention.
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.
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. Another risk factor associated with ectopic
pregnancies is becoming pregnant, whilst using a contraceptive-coil or a
progestogen only contraceptive pill. Pregnancies resulting from in vitro
fertilization (i.e. test-tube methods) can be ectopic - even though, the
fertilized egg is placed directly into the womb, it may still attach itself
elsewhere. In some cases, none of the above risk factors are present in the
expectant mother.
What Are The Warning Signs Of An Ectopic Pregnancy?
Pain In the Abdomen - The first sign of an ectopic pregnancy can be a pain on
2. one side of the abdomen. This pain can be constant and severe and its onset,
sudden.
Pain in the Shoulder - An alternative warning sign could be a pain in the
shoulder, which intensifies when breathing in and out.
Pain Using the Lavatory - If you suspect you are pregnant and experience pain
during visits to the bathroom you should report this to your medical
practitioner.
Other Warning Signs
Vaginal bleeding or unusual periods, lighter or heavier than normal, or a
strange color etc
Sickness
Diarrhoea
Pallid complexion (paleness)
Light-headedness
Collapse
Increasing pulse rate
Falling blood pressure
Diagnosing An Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancies can be hard to detect as in many cases, the symptoms are no
different from those of a normal, early pregnancy, i.e. tender breasts, nausea,
vomiting, missed periods or frequent urination. If you are a sexually active
woman of childbearing age and you experience symptoms of an early pregnancy plus
any, of the above warning signs, of an ectopic pregnancy, contact your medical
practitioner immediately.
A urine pregnancy test will usually be positive but is not always apparent.
However, a specialized hCG blood test will always show a positive result. If a
pregnancy is ectopic, the womb will often be smaller than the average womb at
that stage of pregnancy and this will be detected during an internal pelvic
examination. A doctor can sometimes detect a swelling, during an internal
examination, which is evidence of an ectopic pregnancy existing.
An ultrasound scan will differentiate between a possible miscarriage, a normal
pregnancy and an ectopic pregnancy.
3. The majority of women diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy will require surgical
intervention and/or medication. In the worst-case scenario, without this
intervention, an ectopic pregnancy can be fatal to the mother. Medical and
technological advancements mean that ectopic pregnancies are easier to detect
than ever before and therefore, they carry less risk than they did in previous
years. Technological advancements have significantly improved the treatment of
ectopic pregnancies - keyhole surgery is just one example of this.
It is vital to seek the opinion of a medical practitioner if you suspect you are
carrying an ectopic pregnancy.
David Brewer is a pregnancy expert and owner of Facts-About-Pregnancy.com [http://www.facts-
about-pregnancy.com] - A comprehensive online pregnancy resource center. Visit his blog for
daily updates on all types of pregnancy topics - [http://www.facts-about-pregnancy.com/blog]
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Brewer
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