Health During Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy
The word ectopic literally means ‘out if place’. Basically during an ectopic pregnancy, a completely fertilized egg is simply places itself outside the uterus for gestation. The slightly developed foetus then reconciles in the sac that is enclosed by the fallopian tube. This happens almost 95% of the times and hence due to this sole reason it is also called tubal pregnancy. The various cavities like abdomen, ovary or even the cervix cannot be as good as the uterus for the nurturing of the foetus. During an ectopic pregnancy, in the very initial stage the growing foetus tend to burst the placental bag that contains it. This ends up in excessive internal bleeding and the mother and child both are at equivalent risk. It is believed that a conventional tubal pregnancy never results in childbirth.

Symptoms and signs of tubal pregnancy
- The ectopic pregnancy is extremely difficult to detect. The difference between the normal and tubal pregnancy is marginal and hence diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy is not very easy. The symptoms of this kind of pregnancy simply resemble normal pregnancy signs like missed periods, tender breasts, nausea, morning sickness and frequent urination.
- The prospective mother may experience severe abdomen pain and pelvic aches during this period. The blood clot due to the rupture of the tissues during the ectopic pregnancy can harm the surrounding nerves.
- The internal bleeding generally results in vaginal spotting and bleeding. This blood loss results in giddiness and seizures.
- The blood pressure lowers considerably. This is again due to the external blood loss.

Causes of a Ectopic pregnancy
The primary cause for an ectopic pregnancy is the inefficiency of the fertilized egg to place itself in its decided place. It is unable to move through to the uterus through the fallopian tubes. This situation arises if there is any obstruction in the passage due to some infection or disease. The PID (Pelvic inflammatory disease) results in a barricade in the passage and the baby foetus hence starts developing somewhere near the fallopian tube. Even some past surgical operations and endometriosis results in the fallopian tube being jammed those results in the path being blocked.

Treatment and Remedies
The treatment for the tubal pregnancy is subjective to the situation and the condition of the mother and the fertilized egg. Injections of methotrexate are available. If vaccinated initially, one can directly diffuse all the cells and reabsorb them. This way is useful as it prevents any surgical complications. A laparoscopic operation is the prevalent way to treat such abnormalities during the gestation period.

Effects on prospective mother
It becomes quite critical for almost 30% women to conceive again. The future pregnancies basically depend on the extent of damage that is caused to the fallopian tube and the uterine sac. The mother even after a tubal pregnancy or a mishap, with specialized advice and prenatal care can afford to experience a healthy pregnancy.

Technorati Tags: Ectopic, mother, Pregnancies, Risks, Tubal

Ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which a fertilized egg settles and grows in any location other than the inner lining of the uterus. About 1% of pregnancies are in an ectopic location with implantation not occurring inside of the womb, and of these 98% occur in the Fallopian tubes. In a typical ectopic pregnancy, the embryo does not reach the uterus, but instead adheres to the lining of the Fallopian tube. The implanted embryo burrows actively into the tubal lining. Most commonly this invades vessels and will cause bleeding. This bleeding expels the implantation out of the tubal end as a tubal abortion. Some women thinking they are having a miscarriage are actually having a tubal abortion. There is no inflammation of the tube in ectopic pregnancy. The pain is caused by prostaglandins released at the implantation site, and by free blood in the peritoneal cavity, which is locally irritant. Sometimes the bleeding might be heavy enough to threaten the health or life of the woman. Usually this degree of bleeding is due to delay in diagnosis, but sometimes, especially if the implantation is in the proximal tube it may invade into Sampson artery , causing heavy bleeding earlier than usual. An ectopic pregnancy can’t proceed normally. The developing embryo can’t survive, and the growing placental tissue may destroy important maternal structures. Without treatment, life-threatening blood loss is possible. About one in every 40 to 100 pregnancies is ectopic. Thanks to earlier diagnosis and treatment, the chance for future healthy pregnancies is better than ever before.

Ectopic means “out of place.” An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy where the fetus is not growing in the usual location (the uterine cavity or the womb). Ectopic pregnancies can occur in a number of unusual locations, each with different characteristic growth patterns. Almost all ectopic pregnancies occur in fallopian tubes (tubes from uterus), so this is also known as “Tubal Pregnancy”. Since the fallopian tubes are not large enough to accommodate a growing embryo, the pregnancy cannot continue normally. If identified early, the embryo is removed. In some cases, the embryo grows until the fallopian tube is stretched so much that the tube ruptures. Rupture of the tube is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention because it can result in severe hemorrhaging. An ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition.

Causes of Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is caused by a disruption in a woman’s reproductive anatomy or the timing of specific reproductive events. Ectopic pregnancy is common in women age 20 to 29, but the cause is not always known. However, previous damage to one of the two fallopian tubes may obstruct the passage of the fertilized egg along the tube to the uterus. The egg then implants in the wall of the tube instead of in the uterus. This prior damage may have been caused by an unsuccessful or a reversed sterilization procedure or a fallopian tube infection. Ectopic pregnancies are more common in women using an intrauterine contraceptive device, partly because these devices increase the risk of a pelvic infection in women who exposed to sexually transmitted diseases.

Symptoms of Ectopic pregnancy

1. Nausea, vomiting.

2. Dizziness.

3. Low blood pressure.

4. Breast tenderness.

5. Frequent urination.

Treatment of Ectopic pregnancy

Medicine, surgery, or a combination of the two are usually used to end an ectopic pregnancy before it endangers the mother. In a few cases, very early ectopic pregnancies can be watched closely to see whether the pregnancy will miscarry on its own. Emergency medical help is needed if the area of the ectopic pregnancy ruptured. (Shock is an emergency condition.) Treatment for shock may include keeping the woman warm, raising her legs, and giving oxygen. Fluids by IV and a blood transfusion may be needed. Surgery (laparotomy) is done to stop blood loss (in the event of a rupture). This surgery is also done to confirm the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, remove the abnormal pregnancy, and repair any tissue damage. In some cases, removal of the fallopian tube may be necessary. A mini-laparotomy and laparoscopy are the most common surgical treatments for an ectopic pregnancy that has not ruptured.

Technorati Tags: Causes, Ectopic, pregnancy, Symptoms, Treatment

What is Ectopic Pregnancy? Ectopic may be defined as an organ or body part existing in an unusual form or position. Ectopic pregnancy is one which is developing in the wrong place. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg or ovum fails to move down through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Instead, it develops outside the womb. The ovum may attach itself to the fallopian tube, the ovary, cervix, or any other organ within the pelvic and abdominal organ. Most ectopic pregnancies lead to immediate miscarriage, while others need medical attention.

Reasons for Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancies occur in women with damaged fallopian tubes. A history of pelvic inflammatory disease, previous surgery, scar tissue, endometriosis, or previous ectopic pregnancies increases the likelihood of such a pregnancy. Chances of ectopic pregnancies increase if you become pregnant while using a contraceptive-coil or a progestogen only contraceptive pill. Even in-vitro fertilizations are known to be ectopic despite the fact that the ovum is directly placed into the womb. The ovum may attach itself somewhere else, leading to ectopic pregnancy. Sometimes, women suffer from this despite not having any of the above risk factors.

Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

Pain on one side of the abdomen is the first sign of ectopoic pregnancy. This pain is often severe and constant and starts suddenly. Pain in shoulder, which intensifies when breathing in and out, is also a sign of ectopic pregnancy. Pain while using the bathroom may also indicate towards this type of pregnancy. Other symptoms include sickness, diarrhoea, light headedness, paleness, collapse, falling blood pressure, and vaginal bleeding or unusual periods.

Diagnosis

An ectopic pregnancy is often difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms are that of a normal pregnancy, such as tender breasts, nausea, frequent urination, missed period, and vomiting. However, in case you notice any of the signs discussed above, you must consult your physician immediately.

A urine test may not be a surest way to detect ectopic pregnancy; but a positive result for a specialized HCG blood test will confirm it. An internal pelvic examination will reveal that the womb is smaller in an ectopic pregnancy than in a normal pregnancy at the same stage of pregnancy. A swelling is also a sign of this type of pregnancy. An ultrasound is the safest bet when it comes to detecting this type of pregnancy.

Treatment

Most ectopic pregnancies need to be surgically treated or need proper medication. Without such medical intervention, the pregnancy can turn fatal to the mother. With technological advancements, it has become a lot easier to detect an ectopic pregnancy. Also, the treatment of such a pregnancy has improved, for example, keyhole surgery. Techniques like laparoscopy or laprotomy can by used to remove the misplaced ovum.

Future Pregnancies

You must understand that even if you have had an ectopic pregnancy, you will be likely to have successful pregnancies in the future. It is advisable to wait for several cycles before attempting to become pregnant again. Most women are known to become pregnant again with a healthy pregnancy as soon as they attempted again.

Technorati Tags: about, Ectopic, Information, pregnancy, Vital

Ectopic pregnancy is not a normal pregnancy, the sperms reach the egg in the fallopian tube, where fertilization occurs, and then, this fertilized egg travels on to reach the uterus and implants itself there to complete the gestation period. The fertilized egg fails to reach the uterus for the gestation period and instead implant itself anywhere outside uterus, like cervix, fallopian tube, abdominal cavity. In general, the fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tube.

Symptoms

Ectopic pregnancy is usually diagnosed around six weeks of pregnancy. Your spouse should consult her obstetrician if she has any of the following symptoms:

Pain or tenderness in the abdomen or pelvis, especially while coughing or moving bowels, and which may become more severe or chronic with time

Vaginal bleeding

Shoulder pain, especially while lying down

Lower abdominal pain, which increases over a period of time, accompanied by lower back pain

Shoulder pain, which occurs, as the fetus draws blood for its growth, hampers the functions of diaphragm.

Ectopic pregnancy symptoms can include vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and severe abdominal pain. Other ectopic pregnancy symptoms are quite similar to the normal signs of being pregnant. These include nausea or morning sickness, tiredness, a missed menstrual period, and breast tenderness. This can make diagnosis somewhat difficult.

If you have symptoms of bleeding and stomach pain, be sure to see your doctor immediately. They can determine if you have tubal pregnancy from a simple blood test or an ultrasound. The key is early detection. If it can be treated early on, then the risks to your health and future pregnancies are greatly reduced. By keeping yourself aware of the signs of ectopic pregnancy you can eliminate potential health risks.

Though in many cases, the causes are unknown, the most common factors that lead to the risk of Ectopic pregnancy symptoms are fallopian tube problems, which can be due to pelvic infections (sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease), intrauterine contraceptive devices, and endometriosis. Smoking, abdominal surgeries involving the reproductive system and several hormonal drugs like fertility drugs, contraceptive hormonal medication have also been associated with Ectopic pregnancies.

Slow rising hCG levels: Your doctor may run a quantitative hCG test in early pregnancy if you are having vaginal spotting or if he suspects ectopic pregnancy. Slow rising hCG levels can be an indicator of an ectopic pregnancy. During a normal pregnancy, hCG levels will double every two to three days in early pregnancy. With an ectopic pregnancy, hCG levels may rise but they tend to go up very slowly and not double like they should. If your hCG levels are low or not doubling your doctor may order more blood work or an ultrasound to rule out ectopic pregnancy or other complications.

Cramping: Mild cramping during early pregnancy is normal, but severe cramping or cramping accompanied with spotting, is not normal and could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Cramping may be on one side or may feel like menstrual cramps.

Technorati Tags: Ectopic, pregnancy, Symptoms

Ectopic is derived from Greek word ektopos, meaning out of place. Ectopic pregnancy was first discovered in the 11th century and by the end of 18th century, it took a lethal form. Many women were then known to die of ectopic pregnancy. Today, with advancements in the field of medicine, death due to ectopic pregnancy is rare. Nevertheless, an ectopic pregnancy can prove to be dangerous.

What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy is not a normal pregnancy. In normal pregnancy, the sperms reach the egg in the fallopian tube, where fertilization occurs and then, this fertilized egg travels on to reach the uterus and implants itself there to complete the gestation period. However, in ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg fails to reach the uterus for the gestation period and instead implant itself anywhere outside uterus, like cervix, fallopian tube, abdominal cavity. In general, in ectopic pregnancy cases, the fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tube.

Since in ectopic pregnancy, the embryo implants itself outside the uterus, it starts drawing blood for its growth, rupturing the organs and creating danger to life. As only the uterus is designed to hold the fetus, so ectopic pregnancy does not last for more than 3 months. It always results in the death of the embryo.

Symptoms For Ecotopic Pregnancy

There are symptoms that help in deducing the ectopic pregnancy. Although it is also not necessary that all these pregnancy symptoms will be seen. Lower abdominal pain, which increases over a period, accompanied by lower back pain, Shoulder pain, which occurs, as the fetus draws blood for its growth, hampers the functions of diaphragm. Vaginal bleeding, which is different from normal bleeding, can be heavier or lighter and the blood is dark colored. Nausea and vomiting, Weakness, and pale skin, followed by fainting (caused because of bleeding), Low blood pressure when the bleeding is heavy.

Causes Of Ecotopic Pregnancy

Several major factors cause ectopic pregnancies. Some of them are listed below:

Previously, if the woman had undergone any fallopian tube surgery Occurrence of several abortions. If there had been an ectopic pregnancy earlier. Intake of medicine for stimulating the process of ovulation

Smoking

Increase of age; increase in age results in the loss of tubular mobility, due to lack of myoelectrical activity. Infections in fallopian tube and uterus.

Remedy For Ectopic Pregnancy

If the ectopic pregnancy is at initial stage then it can be destroyed by a drug methotrexate, which has very minimum side effects. At advanced level, it can only be treated with the help of surgery, in which the pregnancy will be removed.

After-effects Of Ectopic Preganancy

Due to doses of methotrexate, there will be a little nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

When the surgery is actually performed at advanced level, there might be a decrease in the womans fertility. You must know that your pregnancy is normal or not. You will know the early signs of pregnancy if you monitor your pregnancy week by week. If you find anything unusual, see a doctor at once.

Technorati Tags: Causes, Ectopic, pregnancy, remedies, Symptoms

Ectopic Pregnancy signs & symptoms

Technorati Tags: Ectopic, pregnancy, signs, Symptoms

Ectopic Pregnancy signs & symptoms

Technorati Tags: Ectopic, pregnancy, signs, Symptoms