Why does Ectopic Pregnancy occur and what is it?

Ectopic pregnancy happens because fertilized eggs are implanted outside the uterus wall. 1 in every 50 pregnancies can be an ectopic pregnancy. In common circumstances, the egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube and makes its way to the uterus to be attached, and become a baby. The causes of an ectopic pregnancy are high. Most occur because there is a partial blockage of the fallopian tubes.

In uncommon cases, a fertilized egg will make its way all the way through the uterus and attach itself to the cervix or the inside of 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.

Unfortunately, the truth is that any tubal pregnancy will result with termination of that pregnancy. Permanent damage to the fallopian tube can result where a pregnancy of this type is not terminated early enough. If the pregnancy is still in the early phase, the drug methotrexate can be used to terminate it. However, if the pregnancy is further along, surgery is necessary to repair damage and terminate.

A tubal pregnancy is significantly more likely where a women has already had a tubal ligation but is still pregnant. Less frequent causes include making use of 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 good news is that women who have had an ectopic pregnancy are 80%-90% likely to be able to have a normal pregnancy later. Doctors tend to monitor subsequent pregnancies very closely following an ectopic pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy is frequently be seen around six to seven weeks into a pregnancy. This is about the same time that signals of pregnancy in general begin to be noticed. Tubal pregnancies sometimes do not return a positive on a home pregnancy test. Therefore, women usually become aware of tubal pregnancies as complications become obvious.

Tenderness along with pain in the abdomen are often the signs of trouble that first show up. The pain is normally specific to one side of the body. Vaginal bleeding is another warning sign, as is increased pain when coughing or using the bathroom. If the pain moves to the shoulder area, the tube may have ruptured.

Unfortunately, tubal pregnancies must be terminated in order to save the woman. People frequently believe that abortion is morally not right. In these cases, the choice is very plain. Lose the child and mother or save the mother. It may be helpful to talk about the pregnancy and your emotions with a senior member of the clergy or therapist to understand the need for termination.