Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that happens outside of the uterus. This happens when a fertilized egg implants in a structure that can’t support its growth. An ectopic pregnancy often happens in the fallopian tube.An untreated ectopic pregnancy can be a medical emergency. Prompt treatment reduces your risk of complications from the ectopic pregnancy, increases your chances for future, healthy pregnancies, and reduces future health complications.

What causes an ectopic pregnancy?

The cause of an ectopic

always clear. In some cases, the following

What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

The early symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can be very similar to typical pregnancy symptoms. However, you may experience additional symptoms during an ectopic pregnancy, including:

● Vaginal bleeding.

● Pain in your lower abdomen, pelvis and lower back.

● Dizziness or weakness.

If the fallopian tube ruptures, the pain and bleeding could be severe enough to cause additional symptoms. These can include:

● Fainting.

● Low blood pressure (hypotension).

● Shoulder pain.

● Rectal pressure.

When a tube bursts, you may feel sharp lower abdominal pain. This is a medical emergency and you will need to contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room immediately.

How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed?

An ectopic pregnancy is typically diagnosed during an appointment in your healthcare provider’s office. These tests include:

● A urine test: This test involves either urinating on a test strip (typically shaped like a stick) or urinating into a cup in your provider’s office and then having a test strip dipped into the urine sample.

● A blood test: You provider may test your blood to see how much of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) you

have in your body. This hormone is produced during pregnancy. You may also hear this called your serum beta hCG level.

● An ultrasound exam: An imaging test, an ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of your body’s internal structures. Ultrasound is often used during pregnancy. Your provider will use this test to see where the fertilized egg has implanted.

Once your provider has confirmed the pregnancy and determined where the fertilized egg has implanted, a treatment plan will be created. Ectopic pregnancy is an emergency and treatment

Treating ectopic pregnancy

Treatment options vary depending on the location of the ectopic pregnancy and its development Medication

Your doctor may decide that immediate complications are unlikely. In this case, your doctor can prescribe several medications that could keep the ectopic mass from bursting.

Methotrexate is a drug that stops the growth of rapidly dividing cells, such as the cells of the ectopic mass If you take this medication, your doctor will give it to you as an injection You should also get regular blood tests to ensure that the drug is

effective When effective, the medication will cause symptoms that are similar to that of a miscarriage. These include:

● cramping

● bleeding

● the passing of tissue

Further surgery is rarely required after this occurs.

Surgery

Many surgeons suggest removing the embryo and repairing any internal damage. This procedure is called a laparotomy Your doctor will insert a small camera through a small incision to make sure they can see their work The surgeon then removes the embryo and repairs any damage to the fallopian tube.

If the surgery is unsuccessful, the surgeon may repeat a laparotomy, this time through a larger incision. Your doctor may also need to remove the fallopian tube during surgery if it’s damaged.

Home care

Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding the care of your incisions after surgery. The chief goals are to keep your incisions clean and dry while they heal. Check them daily for infection signs, which could include:

● bleeding that won’t stop

● excessive bleeding

● foul smelling drainage from the site

● hot to the touch

● redness

● swelling You can expect some light vaginal bleeding and small blood clots after surgery. This can occur up to six weeks after your procedure Other self-care measures you can take include:

● don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds

● drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation

● pelvic rest, which means refraining from sexual intercourse, tampon use, and douching

● rest as much as possible the first week postsurgery, and then increase activity in the next weeks as tolerated