How to Learn More about Ectopic Pregnancy

Pregnancy starts with a fertilized egg where it attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. However, an ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, such as in the fallopian tubes. This type of pregnancy is called a tubular pregnancy. Fallopian tubes are tubes that transport the eggs from the ovary to the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy cannot be carried to term, as the baby will not survive. An ectopic pregnancy usually happens during the first 5 to 10 weeks of pregnancy.

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1. Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy
   If ectopic pregnancy is left untreated, it can become a life-threatening situation, as blood loss is possible. Tubes can become scarred, damaged or deformed when the egg gets stuck and cannot implant itself in the uterus. Causes of an ectopic pregnancy are often due to damaged fallopian tubes causing the egg to implant itself in the fallopian tube and grow. Other causes that are a risk for ectopic pregnancy include smoking; the more you smoke the higher the risk, pelvic infections, endometriosis; which is scared tissue in or around the tubes, being exposed to certain chemicals, certain medical treatments, surgeries, or fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization, prior history of tubular pregnancies and certain hormones such as estrogen or progesterone that are in birth control pills.

2. Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy
   At first, ectopic pregnancy can proceed as a normal pregnancy. You will have a positive pregnancy test, early signs and symptoms of pregnancy, a missed period, lower back pain, breast tenderness, nausea, and fatigue. The pregnancy cannot be continued as normal and early signs include vaginal bleeding, pain and cramping on one side of the pelvis. If your fallopian tub ruptures, symptoms may include a sharp, stabbing pelvic pain, dizziness and lightheadedness (a feel of passing out), sweaty and rapid heartbeat.

3. Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy
   Ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed by a home pregnancy test and to confirm pregnancy blood work or uterine tests, a pelvic exam and an ultrasound, which can show pictures of what is inside your stomach, which a doctor can tell after 6 weeks after your first missed period. Blood work is to determine the level of pregnancy hormone and can suggest problems such as an ectopic pregnancy.

4. Treatment for Ectopic Pregnancy
   Treatment for ectopic pregnancy includes that the pregnancy must be terminated and cannot come to term. If the fallopian tube ruptures you could go into shock. Early detection can determine a good future prognosis and possibly being able to have future pregnancies.

[sonni57]

on 11/8/2009 Good to know info on ectopic pregnancy.

[llparker]

on 11/8/2009 great information