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. ****** tenderness.

5. Frequent *********.

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.



By: Juliet Cohen

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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.

An ectopic pregnancy is a complication of pregnancy in which the fertilized ovum is implanted in any tissue other than the uterine wall. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube (so-called tubal pregnancies), but implantation can also occur in the cervix, ovaries, and abdomen. The fetus produces enzymes that allow it to implant in varied types of tissues, and thus an embryo implanted elsewhere than the uterus can cause great tissue damage in its efforts to reach a sufficient supply of blood.

The most serious complication of an ectopic pregnancy is intra-abdominal hemorrhage (severe bleeding). In the case of a tubal pregnancy, for example, as the products of conception continue to grow in the fallopian tube, the tube expands and eventually ruptures. This can be very dangerous because a large artery runs on the outside of each fallopian tube. If the artery ruptures, you can bleed severely.

Prevention for Ectopic Pregnancy

You can’t prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but you can decrease certain risk factors. For example, limit your number of sexual partners and use a condom when you have *** to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases and reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Avoid gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) by using a diaphragm or cervical cap or insisting that your sexual partner wear a condom (rubber).

Surgery of the reproductive system, bowels, or lower abdomen can lead to scarring, which increases your risk of ectopic pregnancy.

PID can damage your fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy. One of the main causes of PID is sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The male condom is the most effective method of preventing STIs.

Using safe *** practices, such as using a condom every time you have sex, lowers your risk of ectopic pregnancy. This is because safe *** helps protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a common cause of scar tissue in the fallopian tubes, which can cause ectopic pregnancy.

If you are at risk for having an ectopic pregnancy and you think you may be pregnant, use a home pregnancy test. If it is positive, be sure to have a confirmation test done by a health professional, especially if you are concerned about developing an ectopic pregnancy.

You will likely need surgery to remove the abnormal pregnancy. In the past, this was a major operation, requiring a large incision across the pelvic area. This might still be necessary in cases of emergency or extensive internal injury.

As long as you have one healthy fallopian tube, salpingostomy (small tubal slit) and salpingectomy (part of a tube removed) have about the same effect on your future fertility. But if your other tube is damaged, your doctor may try to do a salpingostomy. This may improve your chances of getting pregnant in the future.

Ectopic pregnancy does not occur in normal tubes, so prevention is based on avoiding the cause of damaged tubes. This includes avoiding promiscuity and activities that predispose to pelvic inflammatory disease and the early diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis.



By: peterhutch

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You must have heard of those common pregnancy symptoms and must have been mentally prepared for them. But, are you prepared for one of those highly unusual early pregnancy symptoms? At times, pregnancy symptoms can be extremely varying and unpredictable. Those symptoms raise height of anxiety and confusion, making it very difficult for women to detect their pregnancy. Many expecting mothers also get confused if those symptoms indicate complications or not, while some even fail to notify their doctors being unaware of their influence on pregnancy. Hence, getting familiar to the strange early pregnancy symptoms is important for all women who are expecting.

Unexpected Pregnancy Symptoms That You May Expect During Pregnancy

Many pregnant women report that they have not come across any of those prevalent pregnancy symptoms like fainting or dizziness or even bleeding. Dies it mean, they were not sent any signs of pregnancy by their body. Probably, they have been. Probably, they have failed to comprehend those signals as positive signs of pregnancy. Therefore, as soon as you get to know what unusual early pregnancy symptoms you are likely to come across, you will be prepared for them and can consult your doctor, accordingly. A list of those symptoms is given below –

1. Spider Veins – Appearance or the veins surrounding chest and upper arms getting prominent is one of the very unusual early pregnancy symptoms. This is one symptom what most women **** and fret over. However, doctors suggest there is nothing to get apprehended about the spider veins as it simply results from an increased blood flow in the body and then being carried over to different vital areas of the body.

2. Nasal Congestion – If you feel your nose to get clogged during pregnancy, you should know it happens due to nasal congestion. This is regarded as one of the unusual early pregnancy symptoms that may lead to having discomforting nights as you have felt during flu. You nose may often bleed even if during a perfect weather with no signs of cold. Consult your doctor to detect pregnancy.

3. Metallic Taste – You may feel metallic taste often during pregnancy. Metal tastes are considered one of the unusual early pregnancy symptoms and are caused due to hormonal changes in your body.

4. Flatulence - Flatulence or arousal of gases are the most embarrassing early pregnancy symptoms. To avoid this symptom, get your diet chart corrected by a specialist.

5. Production of Excessive Saliva – Many expecting mothers feel excess of saliva in their mouth. These excessive saliva productions lead nausea symptom even more discomforting and make it very hard for pregnant mothers to deal with these unusual early pregnancy symptoms. Your mouth may drool even when you are sleeping.

6. Cramping in legs – If you happen to wake up in pains in your legs at midnight, you should include this among early pregnancy symptoms that is not very common. Blame on scarcity of calcium in your body or other causes during pregnancy, talk to your doctor to find ways to reduce it.

7. ****** Hair And Pigmentation – Though women do not hesitate to spend bucks for removal of ****** hair, but they may face an increase in ****** hair along with ****** pigmentation during the course of pregnancy. These are unusual early pregnancy symptoms, but not rare. Therefore, instead of chemical usage, consult with your doctor to alleviate these problems.

Whenever you face any of the unusual early pregnancy symptoms, do not delay, and rush to your physician about its effects on your pregnancy or to reduce discomforts of those symptoms.



By: Apurva Shree

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Most of the women under in vitro pregnancy feel confused what would be their symptoms of early IVF pregnancy. Women, who do not conceive naturally, can conceive artificially through in vitro process. Therefore, they often feel whether IVF pregnancy symptoms resemble symptoms of natural pregnancies or not. Following an IVF pregnancy, the egg is taken outside in a Petri dish to fertilize. After fertilization, the egg is again implanted in the body. However, this is an artificial process of being pregnant, the course of the pregnancy advances as the normal period of pregnancy advances. However, after much discussion on IVF pregnancy symptoms, confusions related to this topic has prevailed. Let us talk about the procedures of IVF pregnancy and the symptoms of early IVF pregnancy.

What Is IVF Pregnancy?

This IVF pregnancy has brought ray of hopes to many women who have not been able to become pregnant naturally. Fortunately, this IVF pregnancy also consists of painless procedures. As the egg is fertilized in a Petri dish, it is planted in the womb of by the help of a catheter. The symptoms of early IVF pregnancy come to surface as the fertilized egg is implanted at the walls of uterus. Once the egg is implanted, mother’s body starts generating hormones to support advancement of pregnancy. As the pregnancy symptoms start showing up, take note of each of the signs and prepare a pregnancy journal. However, one must know the date when the egg was fertilized in the womb, otherwise, it is pretty challenging to make a pregnancy journal in case of an IVF pregnancy. So, start with recording the date of the implantation of the fertilized egg in your uterus.

What Are The Symptoms Of IVF Pregnancy?

After the egg is implanted in the uterus, and as your pregnancy is determined through an ultrasound, your body commence showing up symptoms of early IVF pregnancy. These symptoms are usually the symptoms of normal pregnancy. Following is a list of probable signs you can expect in an IVF pregnancy –

Enhanced level of basal body temperature

An overdue periods or amenorrhea

Tender and sore breasts

Cramping sensation in lower abdominal area

Discomforts of nausea and queasiness throughout the day

Increased aversion and fondness to certain foods and fragrances.

Dizziness and increased level of exhaustion and fainting.

Sudden onset of mood swings

Lower back pain

Urinating frequently

Role of HCG in IVF Pregnancy

HCG hormone is known as the pregnancy hormone and is produced after the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus. In an interval of few days, this hormone is secreted in the blood and lead to arousal of symptoms of early pregnancy. However, during an IVF pregnancy, this hormone gets released a bit later in comparison to the normal pregnancy. This is the reason, the IVF pregnancy symptoms take a bit longer to arrive. If you are at this stage of IVF pregnancy, you should better consult a doctor or medical process to get your pregnancy confirmed, than to wait for its symptoms. Using an urine test, doctors detect IVF pregnancy. Undergo an HPT or positive urine test or ultrasound to be confirmed of your pregnancy if the symptoms of early IVF pregnancy are yet to show up.



By: Apurva Shree

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An ectopic pregnancy is an irregular pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus. Most ectopic pregnancies happen in the fallopian pipe, but implantation can too happen in the cervix, ovaries, and stomach. The causes of ectopic pregnancy are unidentified. There are some speculative specific causes or associations. Smoking, advanced maternal age and prior tubal damage of any origin are well known risk factors for ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy occasionally occurs in women who have had a hysterectomy. Rather than implanting in the absent uterus, the fetus implants in the abdomen, and must be delivered via caesarean section. Patients are at higher risk for ectopic pregnancy with advancing age. Vaginal ******** is thought by some to increase ectopic pregnancies; this is speculative. Women exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero also have an elevated risk of ectopic pregnancy, up to 3 times the risk of unexposed women.

In a normal ectopic pregnancy, the embryo does not hit the womb, but instead adheres to the lining of the Fallopian pipe. The implanted embryo burrows actively into the tubal lining. Most usually this invades vessels and will induce bleeding. This bleeding expels the implantation out of the tubal end as a tubal abortion. Many factors are known to increase the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. Taking hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone, can slow the normal movement of the fertilized egg through the tubes and lead to ectopic pregnancy. Most women who have had one ectopic pregnancy are later able to have a normal pregnancy. A repeated ectopic pregnancy may occur in 10 - 20% of cases. Women who have in vitro fertilization or who have an intrauterine device using progesterone also have an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Early symptoms are either missing or delicate. Some women thinking they are having an abortion are really having a tubal miscarriage. There is no inflammation of the pipe in ectopic pregnancy. Patients with a late ectopic pregnancy typically experience pain and bleeding. This bleeding will be both vaginal and internal and has two discrete pathophysiologic mechanisms. 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. Later presentations are more common in communities deprived of modern diagnostic ability. An ectopic pregnancy is usually a failing pregnancy and falling levels of progesterone from the corpus luteum on the ovary cause withdrawal bleeding.

An ectopic pregnancy has to be suspected in any woman with lower abdominal pain or unique hemorrhage who is or might be sexually involved and whose pregnancy examination is constructive. If left untreated, about half of ectopic pregnancies will resolve without treatment. These are the tubal abortions. Early treatment of an ectopic pregnancy with the antimetabolite methotrexate has proven to be a viable alternative to surgical treatment. The advent of methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancy has reduced the need for surgery, however, surgical intervention is still required in cases where the fallopian tube has ruptured or is in danger of doing so. Surgeons use laparoscopy or laparotomy to gain access to the pelvis and can either incise the affected Fallopian and remove only the pregnancy or remove the affected tube with the pregnancy.



By: Juliet Cohen

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