Title
Ectopic pregnancy
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Ectopic pregnancy Overview
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that grows in a location other than the lining of the uterus. Most ectopic pregnancies (95%) occur within a fallopian tube. Rare locations include on the cervix, in the abdomen, or on an ovary. An ectopic pregnancy cannot survive because only the uterus can support the growth of a fetus. If an ectopic pregnancy bursts a fallopian tube, it is a medical emergency that threatens the life of the mother.
Symptoms
Symptoms include missed menstrual period, abdominal pain, spotty vaginal bleeding and fainting
Causes
Most ectopic pregnancies occur because the fallopian tube is not functioning normally.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and medical history, as well as a physical exam. Tests may include : urine pregnancy test to verify pregnancy; pelvic exam to check for tenderness and size of the uterus, blood Tests to see if the pregnancy is developing normally, ultrasound to check the uterus and fallopian tubes for the presence of a pregnancy; and laparoscopy
Treatment
If diagnosed while the ectopic pregnancy is still small and has not ruptured, methotrexate can be given to some patients to prevent further growth and avoid surgery. Emergency surgery is needed if the ectopic pregnancy is judged to be too large for medical treatment or if the patient has other conditions which would prevent the use of methotrexate, such as a history of kidney or liver disease. If the fallopian tube has burst, surgery can be done through a laparoscope or an open abdominal incision. During the surgery, the pregnancy will be removed and if possible, the fallopian tube repaired.
Prevention
To reduce your risk of ectopic pregnancy, it is advised to maintain safe sexual practices to help avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and to get early diagnosis and treatment of STDs.Get early diagnosis and treatment of STDs.
Complications
The most common complication is rupture with internal bleeding which may lead to hypovolemic shock. In the first trimester, ectopic pregnancy is the most common cause of pregnancy-related deaths and 10% of maternal deaths may be due to ectopic pregnancy.
Risks
Factor that increase the risk of getting an ectopic pregnancy include : age (35 or older ), history of pelvic inflammatory disease, previous ectopic pregnancies, endometriosis, prior surgery on the fallopian tubes or uterus, fertility treatments, abnormally shaped uterus and/or fallopian tubes, presence of an IUD, and pregnancy that occurs after a sterilization procedure.
Recovery
About 85% of the women who have experienced one ectopic pregnancy are later able to achieve a normal pregnancy. A subsequent ectopic pregnancy may occur in 10 to 20% of cases. Infertility occurs in 10 to 15% of women who have experienced an ectopic pregnancy