What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?
According to Dictionary.com Unabridged an ectopic pregnancy is the development of a fertilized ovum outside the uterus, as in a Fallopian tube. This is when a fertilized egg, similar to the one above, implants itself (typically) into the lining of the fallopian tube instead of into the uterus like it is supposed to do. Sometimes however the baby will implant itself into the ovary, abdomen, or cervix. When this happens, the baby will continue to grow, however the pregnancy will result in a miscarriage. This is because in tubals the baby will either have to be removed (to save the mothers life), the tube will be taken out, or the tube could rupture (life threatening to the mother). What Are Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms?Ectopic pregnancy symptoms include, but are not limited to:
*Bleeding- typically heavy bleeding, much heavier than a period
*Severe pain- usually on just one side although it can be felt on both, and is typically severe, stabbing/shooting pain
*Nausea- typical pregnancy symptom
*Lower back pain
*Dizziness or fainting- from blood loss
*Low blood pressure- which can lead to dizziness and fainting as listed above What Should I Do If I Think I Have One?You will want to be seen by a doctor immediately. Most women who believe they have a tubal pregnancy (ectopic pregnancy) will go straight to the emergency room. This is not something to wait on, or to ignore. If you suspect you have an ectopic pregnancy you must be seen before it is too late and your tube either bursts or you hemorrhage.
At the hospital you can expect:
*To be given a pregnancy test (urine test)
*To have blood work done to measure you hCG level
*To be given an internal and external pelvic exam
*To have an ultrasound (internal and external) performed to determine if it is a tubal and if so, if surgery needs to be performed immediately (this is life threatening if it is not taken care of)
*If it is not severe/ life threatening, the doctor may give you a shot of chemotherapy drugs in order to stop the cells from further multiplication
*Culdocentesis- which is when a needle is inserted into the top of the vagina and behind the uterus to see if blood is present, meaning an ectopic pregnancy has occured Fertility After An Ectopic PregnancyUnfortunately having a tubal pregnancy can effect your chances of getting pregnant again. This is true especially if you had a severe case, meaning you had to have surgery to remove a tube. If you do encounter problems with infertility due to having damaged tubes or are missing a tube, in vitro fertilization is always an option.
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