Welcome to Pregnancy guide
Information On Teen Pregnancy Article
Ectopic Pregnancy - A Better Understanding
Lenae Brewer
WHAT IS AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY?
The dictionary definition of the word ‘Ectopic’ is an organ or body part existing in an unusual position or form. In simple terms, an ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy, which is developing in the wrong place. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg (or ovum) fails to move down the fallopian tube and into the womb (or uterus) in the normal manner. Instead, the egg or ovum implants itself outside of the womb. Most often, (in 95% of cases), ectopic pregnancies develop in a fallopian tube and rarely, elsewhere in the abdominal cavity or pelvic area. For example, an egg can attach itself on an ovary, on the neck of the womb (cervix) or on another organ within the pelvic or abdominal area (1.5% abdominal, 0.5% ovarian & 0.03% cervical). Ectopic pregnancies do not usually survive and many will result in a spontaneous miscarriage, others will develop until a serious problem becomes apparent, which will require immediate medical attention.
WHAT CAUSES AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY?
Sometimes the ovum fails to implant itself and it becomes fertilised outside of the reproductive system. More commonly, the fertilised ovum is trapped, in the fallopian tube and the baby continues to grow inside the tube where it can cause the tube to burst or otherwise severely damage it. A burst tube is life threatening and requires urgent medical attention.
In many cases, ectopic pregnancies occur when the expectant mother has damaged fallopian tube(s). Tubes damaged, by infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease or by previous surgery, scar tissue, endometriosis or previous ectopic pregnancies are a high-risk factor, which significantly, increase the likelihood of a pregnancy being ectopic. Another risk factor associated with ectopic pregnancies is becoming pregnant, whilst using a contraceptive-coil or a progestogen only contraceptive pill. Pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilisation (i.e. test-tube methods) can be ectopic - even though, the fertilised egg is placed directly into the womb, it may still attach itself elsewhere. In some cases, none of the above risk factors are present in the expectant mother.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY?
Pain In the Abdomen - The first sign of an ectopic pregnancy can be a pain on one side of the abdomen. This pain can be constant and severe and its onset, sudden.
Pain in the Shoulder - An alternative warning sign could be a pain in the shoulder, which intensifies when breathing in and out.
Pain Using the Lavatory - If you suspect you are pregnant and experience pain during visits to the bathroom you should report this to your medical practitioner.
Other Warning Signs
Vaginal bleeding or unusual periods, lighter or heavier than normal, or a strange colour etc
Sickness
Diarrhoea
Pallid complexion (paleness)
Light-headedness
Collapse
Increasing pulse rate
Falling blood pressure
DIAGNOSING AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
Ectopic pregnancies can be hard to detect as in many cases, the symptoms are no different from those of a normal, early pregnancy, i.e. tender breasts, nausea, vomiting, missed periods or frequent urination. If you are a sexually active woman of childbearing age and you experience symptoms of an early pregnancy plus any, of the above warning signs, of an ectopic pregnancy, contact your medical practitioner immediately.
A urine pregnancy test will usually be positive but is not always apparent. However, a specialised hCG blood test will always show a positive result. If a pregnancy is ectopic, the womb will often be smaller than the average womb at that stage of pregnancy and this will be detected during an internal pelvic examination. A doctor can sometimes detect a swelling, during an internal examination, which is evidence of an ectopic pregnancy existing.
An ultrasound scan will differentiate between a possible miscarriage, a normal pregnancy and an ectopic pregnancy.
The majority of women diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy will require surgical intervention and/or medication. In the worst-case scenario, without this intervention, an ectopic pregnancy can be fatal to the mother. Medical and technological advancements mean that ectopic pregnancies are easier to detect than ever before and therefore, they carry less risk than they did in previous years. Technological advancements have significantly improved the treatment of ectopic pregnancies - keyhole surgery is just one example of this.
It is vital to seek the opinion of a medical practitioner if you suspect you are carrying an ectopic pregnancy.
About The Author
Lenae Brewer is a pregnancy expert and owner of Facts-About-Pregnancy.com - An online pregnancy resource center.
Information On Teen Pregnancy Best products
Information On Teen Pregnancy News
information on teen pregnancy
IMPORTANT: Bing News RSS feed has moved!
about teen pregnancy. That's the invitation Campesinos Sin Fronteras ... Amberly's Place and the Somerton Police Department. For more information about the forum, call 627-9777.
Read moreCampesinos offering forums on teen pregnancy
Visit www.guttmacher.org to read the full report on U.S. teen pregnancies, births, and abortions. Visit www.TheNationalCampaign.org for more information on teen pregnancy and related issues. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is ...
Read moreU.S. Teen Pregnancy Rate Declines, at Lowest Rate Since 1972
Teen pregnancy is a leading cause of dropping out among female ... "We've got to do a better job of sharing information with parents," she said. Superintendent Frank Till Jr. said the system's curriculum teaches abstinence first.
Read moreCumberland County school board members discuss how to reduce teen pregnancy rate
Oops, I Knocked up my Girlfriend is committed to providing teens no fluff information on teenage pregnancy issues and becoming the primary resource for teenagers who are faced with the unexpected decision to become a teen parent. About Oops, I Knocked up ...
Read moreSolamon SVP and Country Head for Jamaica, Ainsley Brown, is returning to Kingston and looking forwa
It is time to redouble our efforts to ensure that all teens have access to the information and contraceptive servicesthey need to prevent unwanted pregnancies." [7 Surprising Facts About the Pill ] A study published this month in the journal ...
Read moreTeen Pregnancy Rate Hits 40-Year Low
It is time to redouble our efforts to ensure that all teens have access to the information and contraceptive services they need to prevent unwanted pregnancies." The New York Times reported corresponding figures from the Centers for Disease ...
Read moreTeen pregnancy rates in US drop to 40-year low, study shows
In a survey of thousands of teenage mothers who had unintended pregnancies, about a third who didn't use ... That suggests that sex education must include not only information about anatomy and birth control, but also about how to deal with situations ...
Read moreStudy: Teen girls misunderstand risk of pregnancy
The interview focuses on Jamie's teenage pregnancy and her abrupt disappearance from the Hollywood limelight. Now 21, she says she's ready to get back in the spotlight. Video: Jamie Lynn Spears on her teenage pregnancy -- GateHouse News Service What to ...
Read moreWhat to watch: Jamie Lynn Spears on her teen pregnancy
The release stated that although the state’s teen pregnancy rate declined more than 50 percent ... Akerman said the students have used skits to put the information out. At times they have held workshops for the parents as well to help them ...
Read more