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.

The treatment for ectopic pregnancies varies from case to case. In case it is caught early enough, the egg can easily be medically dissolved, so that it is reabsorbed by the body. If in case the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy show up late, the fetus is removed surgically.

A woman who has experienced an ectopic pregnancy might stand poorer chances of conceiving. It all really depends on the extent of damage caused by the ectopic pregnancy.

A quantitative blood test to measure the traces of the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (HCG) in the blood is often used in the initial diagnosis. If the hormone levels are lower than expected, an ectopic pregnancy may be the cause. The blood test is often followed with a pelvic or ultrasound exam to check for the presence of the developing fetus in the uterus. Another test, called a culdoncentesis, is used to check for internal bleeding and involves the insertion of a needle into the top of the vagina and behind the uterus. Blood present in this area is usually caused by a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

In a few cases, treatment of an ectopic pregnancy may be done through expectant management. This involves close observation and constant monitoring, and no treatment is given. Expectant management is undertaken in very few cases, where it is anticipated that the it will automatically resolve. However, until the condition completely normalizes, the risk of a rupture always remains.

If the problem is detected early, an injection is given to dissolve the fertilized egg; it is then reabsorbed into the woman's body. The reproductive organs are neither harmed nor scarred, ensuring that fertility is left intact. Surgery may be warranted for a long-term problem. Laser treatment is popular today as it can lessen the damage caused to the pregnant woman's body.

A urine pregnancy test will usually be positive but is not always apparent. However, a specialized hCG blood test will always show a positive result. If a pregnancy is ectopic, the womb will often be smaller than the average womb at
that stage of pregnancy and this will be detected during an internal pelvic examination.

Surgical therapy may be open laparotomy or via the laparoscopy. According to Prof. R. K. Mishra all ectopic pregnancies requiring surgery should be treated laparoscopically. Risk factors for converting laparoscopy to laparotomy should be considered and include multiple prior surgeries, pelvic adhesions, skill of the surgeon and surgical staff, availability of the equipment, and condition of the patient. If the ectopic pregnancy is at the fimbria, then fimbrial evacuation is feasible, in the absence of indications for salpingectomy.

You need to call a doctor at the earliest if you suspect any of the above mentioned Ectopic pregnancy symptoms. Early detection can preserve the fallopian tube and enhance the chances for a normal pregnancy. You should augment your knowledge about Ectopic pregnancies by reading pregnancy books and ezines.

Read about Week By Week Pregnancy and also read about Pregnancy Week 37 and Pregnancy Week 40

To add a comment please login by clicking here