Ectopic Pregnancy

One in every 60 pregnancies results in an ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg attaches or implants itself somewhere other than in the uterus, usually inside of the fallopian tubes but occasionally in the cervix, ovaries or abdomen. Also known as a tubal pregnancy, ectopic pregnancies prevent the embryo from growing normally. Your doctor will know if you’re experiencing an ectopic pregnancy by 7 ½ weeks in.

Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms & Signs

There are many symptoms you can look for during the early stages of pregnancy that are tell-tell signs of an ectopic or abnormal pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding, whether it’s heavier or lighter than your normal menstrual cycle can be a sign something is wrong. Many people speculate this is a miscarriage when in fact it’s an ectopic pregnancy. Low progesterone and hCG levels are also serious indicators something is wrong. Pain while urinating or having a bowel movement, sharp pains in the abdomen area, weakness, dizziness and fainting are all symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy and a physician should be contacted immediately.

Who’s at Risk?

Women who are in their mid 30’s to early 40’s are at a higher risk of a tubal pregnancy. If a woman has had a hysterectomy, has been diagnosed with PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) or has had any form of pelvic or abdominal surgery, she has greatly increased her chances of having an ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment

There are various methods to treat an ectopic or tubal pregnancy. The most common procedure is to remove the fallopian tubes entirely. But if the removal of the fallopian tubes is not an option for the patient Methotrexate can be given to allow the body to absorb the pregnancy tissue, which could potentially save the fallopian tube. Laparoscopic surgery is when the doctor, using a laparoscope, removes the ectopic pregnancy and either repairs or removes the fallopian tubes. If this surgery doesn’t work, a Laparotomy can be performed.