Pregnancy - What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?

What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic is another way of saying "out of place". An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants itself somewhere outside of the uterus. Although most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes, embryos can also implant in the ovaries, abdomen or cervix. None of these sites will provide the fertilized egg with enough space or nutrients to properly develop, and the resulting fetus will eventually rupture the space that it inhabits, usually causing extensive bleeding that will endanger the mother's life.

Since most early pregnancy symptoms, missed periods, nausea and breast tenderness, also occur in ectopic pregnancies, these pregnancies can be difficult to detect. However, pain can be the first indication of a problem, and blood loss from the rupture of the implantation site also causes low blood pressure, dizziness or fainting. Some ectopic pregnancies present with lower back pain and sharp pain in the pelvis or abdomen.

A quantitative blood test to measure the traces of the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (HCG) in the blood is often used in the initial diagnosis. If the hormone levels are lower than expected, an ectopic pregnancy may be the cause. The blood test is often followed with a pelvic or ultrasound exam to check for the presence of the developing fetus in the uterus. Another test, called a culdoncentesis, is used to check for internal bleeding and involves the insertion of a needle into the top of the vagina and behind the uterus. Blood present in this area is usually caused by a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Treatments for this type of pregnancy vary depending on the location and size. Methotrexate can be injected into the earliest stages of the pregnancy to dissolve the fertilized egg. However, as the pregnancy progresses, laparoscopy or surgery may be needed to remove the fetus.

Maria writes for Pregnancy Due Date, a site that tries to information for expectant mothers. For more great pregnancy articles, visit our Pregnancy articles archive.

Car Insurance Rates | Dental Insurance | Health Insurance | Home Owner Insurance | Life Insurance Quote

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

Piece Of Mind During Pregnancy - It Is Possible With Babysheart
After four years of marriage my husband and I started to plan for our family. Unfortunately we ran into some fertility issues because of my endometriosis. We eventually went to a specialist and were able to conceive after 2 years of trying to have our first child. Unfortunately I had an early miscarriage, and it left me very emotional. We decided to try again as soon as medically possible and conceived again. This time I was so anxious because of the miscarriage. I would count the days to my next ob visit just to hear the heartbeat.Everything turn...(related: Pregnancy)

Keeping Cool When Pregnant
Chill Out: how to keep your cool this summerWhen the heat is on, life can become very hard when you are pregnant. Instead of looking forward to those long, hot August days, you may find yourself dreaming of igloos and frozen ice-caps, so try out these tricks to help you keep your cool when the temperature rises.Clothes<...(related: Pregnancy)

How To Deal With Headaches During Pregnancy
Headaches are one of the more unpleasant "side effects" that come with pregnancy. All women will have some, but most will experience them in the first and last trimesters. In the first three months, this is thought to be primarily due to such factors as increased blood volume, the initial stresses, and hormonal changes. In the final three months, the causes are more likely to be poor posture, which can result in pressure on parts of your body that communicate their discomfort to the brain, and also from the discomforts of carrying extra weight.Oddly enough, women who experience migraine headaches, may have fewer during a pregnancy, while a small percentage of sufferers will have more. These patients should discuss relief for the migraines with their doctor, as soon as a pregnancy is confirmed...(related: Pregnancy)

Baby Shower Gift Ideas
Selecting a present for a new mom or dad can be a challenging task. Baby showers are a great way to help support a new mother with her new baby. New mothers can sign up at a gift registry to avoid duplicate gifts and to indicate her gift preferences. Here are some good gift ideas for baby showers:1) Diapers - Diapers are a popular gift for baby showers. Every new mother will need plenty of diapers for her new baby and this is a...(related: Pregnancy)

How To Avoid Post Partum Depression
New mothers sometimes experience "postpartum blues." This is understandable. Pregnancy and birth are very dramatic events for your body ? both physically and emotionally. So, it's common to feel a little weepy, irritable or moody in the first few days after birth.If you eat well, supplement your diet with high quality whole food supplements (especially omega-3 oils and B vitamins) and get enough rest, mi...(related: Pregnancy)

Get Back Your Pre-pregnancy Abs With Side Planks
The foundation of fitness for a mom is her abdominal area. To moms a flat stomach is wonderful; a strong abdominal core is critical. The cool thing is, you can get both at the same time with side planks.Side planks are great for toning, without enlarging, the obl...(related: Pregnancy)

Homebirth Midwifery
What is Homebirth Midwifery? Homebirth Midwifery is prenatal care that may include homebirth car...(related: Pregnancy)

Feeling Sexy During Pregnancy
Some people think that the word sexy and pregnancy do not belong together. I have to disagree. In fact, I have heard many men say that a woman is her sexiest and most beautiful when she is pregnant!So, ...(related: Pregnancy)

Conception Tips And Tips For Getting Pregnant For Those Who Are Trying To Conceive
CONCEPTION TIPSConception takes place in three basic stages: ovulation, then fertilization, and the division of the fertilized egg, which then implants in the uterus - which it isn't until then when pregnancy is considered successful! To better understand the process, we have explained ...(related: Pregnancy)

Your Role As An Expectant Father
Quite often expectant fathers get bent out of shape over what they should be doing during the pregnancy. The pregnant woman is often the focus of all attention. She's the one carrying the baby. She's the one doctors examine. She's the one with oodles of books written especially for her. She's the one who has to push when the time comes and they put the baby on her belly when it is delivered. So, the question is: Are you only along for the ride? Yes, you really are only along for the ride....(related: Pregnancy)

Pregnancy Symptoms, Signs And Symptoms Of Being Pregnant
EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMSAlthough a lot of women experience pregnancy symptoms, and find signs of being pregnant, other's don't "feel" pregnant. Certain signs and symptoms of being pregnant can be confused with other illnesses. The following list are some telltale symptoms of pregnancy. Morning sickness is one of the most common signs of being pregnant, but you also might be one of the lucky ones who never experience this pregnancy symptom. Missing a period is another sign and symptom of being pregnant. We'll go into greater detail below, and you can read below.MISSING A PERIODOne of the most common signs and symptoms of being pregnant, missing a period can also be caused by other reasons. Althou...(related: Pregnancy)

Conception Tips And Tips For Getting Pregnant For Those Who Are Trying To Conceive
CONCEPTION TIPSConception takes place in three basic stages: ovulation, then fertilization, and the division of the fertilized egg, which then implants in the uterus - which it isn't until then when pregnancy is considered successful! To better understand the process, we have explained ...(related: Pregnancy)