Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg doesn't make its way down the fallopian tube to the uterus and implants itself elsewhere, such as the abdomen, cervix, or an ovary. Very often the egg will implant itself in the fallopian tube, which is why this is often referred to as a tubal pregnancy. Only the uterus can support a growing baby. If an ectopic pregnancy occurs, the organ it is implanted in could burst causing sever bleeding in the mother and sometimes death, which is why these types of pregnancies must be terminated.

Ectopic pregnancies are caused when a fertilized egg is slowed down in its path to the uterus. Many ectopic pregnancies occur in women who have had pelvic inflammatory disease in the past or who have tubal scarring or kinking. Many women who have an ectopic pregnancy are at a greater risk of having another one. It may even be difficult to get pregnant again after having an ectopic pregnancy, especially if a fallopian tube had to be removed.

The earlier you catch an ectopic pregnancy the better. Sometimes women don't realize they may have an ectopic pregnancy because some of the signs can mimic those of normal pregnancy, such as nausea, tenderness of breasts, and frequent urination. Some other signs to look out for are vaginal spotting, pinching or stabbing pains in abdomen, and dizziness or fainting.

There are two common methods of treating an ectopic pregnancy. One way is through laparoscopy and the other is through the use of methotrexate. A laparoscopy is a type of surgery where the doctor will make an incision just under the belly button and enter the pelvis to remove the pregnancy. Methotrexate is the non-surgical approach, which is simply a drug that reduces the growth of cells in the ectopic pregnancy, eventually reducing it to nothing.