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.
Related Articles
Endometriosis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
By: Juliet Cohen | 26/05/2007 | Diseases and Conditions
Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus (endometrial cells), but in a location outside of the uterus.
Menopause - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
By: Juliet Cohen | 26/05/2007 | Diseases and Conditions
Menopause is defined as absence of menstrual periods for 12 months. The menopausal transition starts with varying menstrual cycle length and ends with the final menstrual period. Perimenopause means "around the time of menopause.
Gynaecological Problems Treatment
By: Juliet Cohen | 07/07/2007 | Diseases and Conditions
Gynaecological is non-cancerous condition. It is found in women where some of the tissues that line the inside of the womb are found elsewhere in the human body, although most times with the pelvis. Poor nutritional status as a cause of gynaecological problems. Common gynacological problems is abnormal uterine bleeding.
Complete Information on Ectopic Pregnancy
By: Juliet Cohen | 12/07/2008 | Alternative Medicine
A ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy which occurs apart from the uterus (uterus). The ectopic pregnancy is a complication of pregnancy in which the fertilized ovule is established in any fabric other than the uterine wall.
Charles Myrick Of ACIRX Offers Great Rx Assistance
By: Gabby Laine | 06/07/2006 | Health
ACIRX is a company dedicated to assisting people throughout the U.S in dealing with the high cost of prescription drugs.
Worst Menopause Symptoms May Start in Brain
By: Ibrahim Machiwala | 16/02/2008 | Health
"This is an important new concept: Menopause doesn't just originate in the ovary, but also in the brain," said Laura Goldsmith, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and women's health at the New Jersey Medical School of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Ectopic Pregnancy - Prevention for Ectopic Pregnancy
By: peterhutch | 04/04/2008 | Women's Health
Ectopic means "out of place." In an ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg has implanted outside the uterus. The egg settles in the fallopian tubes in more than 95% of ectopic pregnancies. This is why ectopic pregnancies are commonly called "tubal pregnancies." The egg can also implant in the ovary, abdomen, or the cervix, so you may see these referred to as cervical or abdominal pregnancies.
Natural Supplements for Women's Health: Menopause
By: Ajay R (articlesubmit.net) | 13/07/2006 | Health
Menopause can be a miserable experience characterized by aggravating symptoms. Or, it can be a pain-free transition that's barely noticeable. nutraOrigin, makers of high quality vitamins for women, shares the secrets of treatment for menopause.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this
By: JoyePie | 13-06-2008
what is a dushe bag
Why can't women use Men's Rogaine?
By: TafsMom | 28-05-2008
Why can't women use Men's Rogaine?
5 and 1/2 weeks and bleeding!!!!
By: desiraegarrett | 14-02-2008
I am 5 and 1/2 weeks pregnant and have always had consistent mild uterine cramps. Yesterday they began to get a little worse and at 2 am in the morning last night I started to bleed. I didn't pass any clots but it was bright red. This morning I got up and only have brownish to light red spotting. I still have consistent cramping but not a ton of bleeding. I had to have an early ultrasound 2 days ago because my HCG levels were off the charts high and they wanted to make sure I didn't have a molar pregnancy or a multiple pregnancy. They couldn't detect a molar or twins but also couldn't find a heart beat. It looked like a normal sac and yolk. Does the bleeding mean I am going to miscarry because they didn't find a heart beat? I have a fibroma on my uterus also. Can that cause the bleeding? My husband and I have been trying for a baby for years with 4 miscarriages and 1 tubal. I am very worried. Why am I bleeding?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Wellness Articles
How Do We Get Back to Health - Be Alkaline!
By: Paul Fitzgerald | 18/07/2008
We're all born alkaline until we spoil that pH balance with poor diet and dehydration. As you become more acidic, you make it harder for your natural immune system to work, as it has to fight to neutralize this acidity before it can even think about guarding you and fighting off illness.
7 Tips for Choosing the Best Ergonomic Chair
By: Steve Lott | 18/07/2008
Choosing the right ergonomic chair for your body type is not the easiest task, but with a little research and helpful advice you will find the chair of your dreams. The following tips provide you with a base of what to look when shopping for an ergonomic chair, whether it is for home or the office.
Where to Find Massage Parlors in North America
By: Amy Nutt | 18/07/2008
Massage parlors are hugely popular around the world, but North America has some of the highest numbers of these locales than most other countries. If you`re looking for a good massage or rub-down, then you will need to know the best cities to hit.
Baby Boomer Health Care Crisis
By: Lyla Feldman | 18/07/2008
The United States spends more on healthcare than any other nation in the world. We are the only wealthy, industrialized nation that doesn’t have a universal health care system. There have been ongoing debates regarding the poor access, efficiency, and quality yet the increasing costs. It was impossible to watch one democratic nominee presidential speech without the analysis of this crisis. What does this mean for the baby boomers that make up 27% of the total population?
Healthiest States: See How Yours Measures Up!
By: Lyla Feldman | 18/07/2008
How healthy is your state? Recent studies have compared 22 different factors to determine what makes up the healthiest places to live in the United States. The most obvious ways to measure would be air quality, stress level, and access to healthy nutritional foods. But there are other factors that you would find quite surprising such as AIDS rate, % of smokers, and safety belt usage. Read on to find out about the top ten healthiest and unhealthiest places to call home.
Foot Exercise
By: peterhutch | 18/07/2008
The foot is a part of the human anatomy that issued for motion and the basis for standing. The human has one pair of feet consisting of the heel, instep, sole, ball, and five toes per foot. The ankle is the joint on the body where the foot meets the leg
Rapid Weight Loss Ideas – How to Lose Weight Rapidly With 3 Simple Ideas
By: Michael Lee | 17/07/2008
Some rapid weight loss ideas out there can do you more harm than good. Learn how to separate the beneficial advice from the trash. By reading this article, you'll discover safe yet effective solutions to your weight dilemma.
Aloe Vera Benefits For Everyone
By: Davin Ogden | 17/07/2008
Aloe vera benefits have been found by just about every culture our planet has known to date in a variety of ways. For many years it's been heavily used by the native cultures of our planet among many others.
More from Juliet Cohen
Plastic Surgery for Men
By: Juliet Cohen | 14/07/2008 | Plastic Surgeries
Beautiful men selling anything from aftershave to underpants can be seen wherever you seem. Men are turning to elastic operation to look best, feel younger, and still assist with their careers.
Dry Body Oil Spray
By: Juliet Cohen | 14/07/2008 | Supplements and Vitamins
Properly caring for your skin can ensure that it vestige supple and healthy. There are many different tools you can use to keep your skin in best condition.
Genital Hair Removal
By: Juliet Cohen | 14/07/2008 | Wellness
Genital hair removal too known pubic hair removal. Pubic hair is hair in the head-on genital region, the genitalia, and sometimes at the side of the interior of the legs.
Hyaluronic Acid Benefits
By: Juliet Cohen | 14/07/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Hyaluronan also known as acid hyaluronic. The acid one of Hyaluronic is a component of the synovial liquid, and is found in the mood vitreous of the eye, the synovia of the junctions, and in the fabric subcutaneous where it functions is as an agent cementing.
About Hair Rebonding
By: Juliet Cohen | 14/07/2008 | Wellness
Hair is basically an asleep protein known as keratin. Hair is awake simply at its origin in the follicle. Once damaged, hair cannot be significantly repaired by application of anything to its surface.
Benefits of Bath Salts
By: Juliet Cohen | 14/07/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Bath salts, particularly fragrant varieties, are an opulent addition to your tub moment regular. They provide many added benefits that you might not require to have from something as easy as tossing a less salt into your tub.
Benefits of Honey
By: Juliet Cohen | 14/07/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
The honey long has been recognized like a natural remedy and has been used like medicine for the migliaia of years. The honey contains the vitamins, minerals and amino acids and is a wonderful subsidy of beauty.
Herbal Products Available Online
By: Juliet Cohen | 14/07/2008 | Supplements and Vitamins
Herbs are too marketed by naturopaths, acupuncturists, iridologists, chiropractors, and unauthorized herbalists. Herbal advocates care to aim away that about half of today's medicines were emanated from plants.
Health 
| Posted: 26-05-2007 | Comments: 
