An ectopic (tubal) pregnancy occurs whenever a fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus wall. In 1 out of every 50 pregnancies, this type of pregnancy will occur. In a normal pregnancy, an egg is fertilized inside the fallopian tube and continues on its way to the uterus where it becomes attached and grows into a baby. The causes of an ectopic pregnancy are varied. Most result because there is a partial blockage of the fallopian tubes.
In some cases, the fertilized egg will go through the uterus and become stuck to the cervix or the abdominal wall. Woman can have a normal pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy simultaneously in very rare circumstances. No matter where the egg attaches, if it is not inside the uterus, it is considered an ectopic pregnancy.
The realistic truth is that the end result of any ectopic pregnancy is termination of the pregnancy. Tubal pregnancies should be terminated at the earliest opportunity because unnecessary damage to the fallopian tubes can result or even life threatening complications. If the pregnancy is in an early enough stage, it can be terminated with the drug, methotrexate. In circumstances where the pregnancy is already in the later stages, surgery is needed to repair damage and terminate the pregnancy.
Women who have had a tubal ligation and still become pregnant are the most likely to experience an ectopic pregnancy. Other reasons can include using fertility treatments, having had surgery on the fallopian tubes in the past, abdominal surgeries, removal of ovarian cysts, and use of an IUD as a contraceptive.
The brilliant news is that mothers to be that have had a tubal pregnancy in the past are 80%-90% chance of being able to have a normal pregnancy another time. Doctors usually monitor pregnancies that happen after an ectopic pregnancy.
The common signs of an ectopic pregnancy can usually be viewed at about six weeks of pregnancy. This is often the same time as the signs of pregnancy are usually seen. Tubal pregnancies sometimes do not return a positive on a home pregnancy test. Therefore, the beginning of complications commonly alerts women to a tubal pregnancy.
Pain in the abdomen, combined with general tenderness are usually the first signs of trouble. Pain is most often experienced on a single side of the body with no single area able to be pinpointed. Vaginal bleeding is another warning signal, as is increased pain when coughing or using the bathroom. Sometimes the pain will progress to the shoulder and this is an indication that the tube may have ruptured.
Unfortunately, tubal pregnancies must be terminated in order to save the woman. Many people feel that abortion is morally wrong. There are only a small amount of choices in these circumstances. Save the mother or lose both. Of course, it may be helpful to explain the situation and your feelings about it with a member of the clergy or clinical therapist to come to terms with the need to go against one’s nature.
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