Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic Pregnancy

One of the most devastating things that can happen to a couple is to find out that the pregnancy they were thrilled about has turned into a life threatening condition. This can be the case with an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg settles somewhere other than in the uterus. The woman will experience pregnancy-like symptoms and a pregnancy test will most likely come back positive. Unfortunately, this type of pregnancy will never result in the birth of a baby.

Discovering you have an ectopic pregnancy is normally brought on after you've experienced several symptoms. These symptoms can include nausea, breast tenderness, pain and bleeding. Some women will discover they have an ectopic pregnancy even before they realize they are pregnant. When the symptoms are mild the mother's life is not in any danger, but if the pregnancy progresses and ruptures this can be a very serious condition.

The symptoms of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy are much more severe and can include very sharp and severe pain the abdomen along with feeling very faint.

When your doctor suspects you have an ectopic pregnancy they will most likely run several tests. The first may be a series of blood tests designed to measure certain hormone and blood count levels.

If the doctor remains suspicious they will most likely order an ultrasound. This is a routine test given to many pregnant women. In the case of a suspected ectopic pregnancy the doctor will want to see if there is indeed a growing fetus implanted in the uterus. If there isn't he or she will explain to you that you have an ectopic pregnancy and the steps needed to correct the situation.

Surgery will need to be performed to remove the ectopic pregnancy before it ruptures; if it has already ruptured this can lead to shock. The doctor will want to treat the condition before this point if that is possible.

In some cases the fallopian tube where the pregnancy had settled will also need to be removed; if it's not the damage done to it will need to be repaired. The doctor will carefully monitor the woman in the weeks following the procedure to check for any bleeding or infection.

Many women who have had an ectopic pregnancy are fearful of conceiving again. Not only are they concerned for their own health, but also they worry that they will again have to face the heartache that they experienced with the ectopic pregnancy.

The majority of women who do suffer an ectopic pregnancy go on to have a healthy baby. In fact over 80% do. Just because you have an ectopic pregnancy does not mean you will have another.

An ectopic pregnancy can be scary and very traumatic experience. It's important to remember that it is simply not possible for a baby to grow outside of the uterus and the conception would never have resulted in a full-term baby. Unfortunately, nature is not perfect and ectopic pregnancies are proof of that.

If you suspect that you do have ectopic pregnancy seek medical care as soon as possible. The longer the condition is allowed to continue, the more risk there is to the mother. Therefore, it is wise to discuss with your doctor any concerns you have.