| Ectopic pregnancy | 349.000000000000 | Ectopic pregnancy | Ectopic pregnancy | E | English | Pregnancy | Adult (19+) | Body | Reproductive system | Healthy living and prevention | Prenatal
Adult (19+) | Abdominal pain;Bleeding | | 2009-09-11T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 10.7000000000000 | 48.9000000000000 | 535.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Learn about ectopic pregnancy. Risk factors and treatment are discussed. After an ectopic pregnancy time must be taken for physical and emotional healing.</p> | <p>One of the main concerns during the first few weeks of pregnancy is the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. If the fertilized egg cell implants itself outside the uterus, it may start to grow in the fallopian tube. If this happens and is allowed to continue, the growing set of cells will eventually rupture the tube, causing severe pain in the side of the abdomen, vaginal bleeding, and sometimes fainting. Ruptured ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of death of the mother in the first trimester of pregnancy. </p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul><li>Ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilized egg cell implants itself outside the uterus and begins to grow in the fallopian tube.</li>
<li>Anything that impairs the ability of the fallopian tube to transport the fertilized egg cell to the uterus can result in an ectopic pregnancy.</li>
<li>Ectopic pregnancy can be stopped with a drug called methotrexate, however in some cases urgent surgery may be required to end the pregnancy.<br></li></ul> | <figure class="asset-c-80"><span class="asset-image-title">Ectopic </span>
<span class="asset-image-title">pregnancy</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Ectopic_pregnancy_MED_ILL_EN.png" alt="Location of normal implantation site and fertilization and of ectopic pregnancy implantation site and fertilization" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">Normally</figcaption>
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">, the fertilized egg moves into the uterus and implants into the uterine lining where it will grow. In an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo does not reach the uterus, and attaches most commonly in the fallopian tube. Here it does not have room to grow, and can cause the tube to rupture.</figcaption>
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<p>Ectopic pregnancy can be diagnosed through the use of transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests to determine the level of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).</p><h2>Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy</h2><p>Anything that impairs the ability of the fallopian tube to transport the fertilized egg cell to the uterus can result in an ectopic pregnancy. There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. These include: </p><ul><li>previous ectopic pregnancy </li><li>tubal ligation, reversal, or other tubal surgery </li><li>previous abdominal surgery with postoperative scarring </li><li>use of a type of birth control called an intrauterine device (IUD) </li><li>previous pelvic inflammatory disease </li><li>other pelvic infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia </li></ul><h2>Treatment for ectopic pregnancy</h2><p>If an ectopic pregnancy is discovered early enough, sometimes a drug called methotrexate can be given to stop the growing set of cells from multiplying. Common side effects of this drug include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination. </p><p>If methotrexate therapy is unsuccessful or not possible, urgent surgery will be required to end the pregnancy. Most gynaecologists will try to conserve the fallopian tube through reconstructive surgery, but the tube may need to be removed as a last resort. One of the most frequent complications of surgery is recurrent ectopic pregnancy. </p><h2>Grieving for your loss</h2><p>After the removal of an ectopic pregnancy, you will need time to heal, both physically and emotionally. Try to rest and take it easy for a while. Losing a baby is one of the most traumatic events you may ever experience, regardless of when you actually lost it. Remember that the ectopic pregnancy was not your fault. Allow yourself to grieve, and share your feelings with your partner and your health-care provider. Seek out resources on the internet and join a support group if you can. </p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/ectopic_pregnancy.jpg | | | | | | | Ectopic pregnancy | | False | | | | | | | | |
