Ectopic Pregnancy - A Better Understanding

1
Ectopic Pregnancy - A Better Understanding

• By David Brewer 

2

• The dictionary definition of the word 'Ectopic'
  is an organ or body part existing in an unusual
  position or form. In simple terms, an ectopic
  pregnancy is a pregnancy, which is developing in
  the wrong place. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when
  the fertilized egg (or ovum) fails to move down
  the fallopian tube and into the womb (or uterus)
  in the normal manner.

3

• Instead, the egg or ovum implants itself outside
  of the womb. Most often, (in 95 of cases),
  ectopic pregnancies develop in a fallopian tube
  and rarely, elsewhere in the abdominal cavity or
  pelvic area.

4
What Causes An Ectopic Pregnancy?

• Sometimes the ovum fails to implant itself and it
  becomes fertilized outside of the reproductive
  system. More commonly, the fertilized ovum is
  trapped, in the fallopian tube and the baby
  continues to grow inside the tube where it can
  cause the tube to burst or otherwise severely
  damage it. A burst tube is life threatening and
  requires urgent medical attention.

5

• In many cases, ectopic pregnancies occur when the
  expectant mother has damaged fallopian tube(s).
  Tubes damaged, by infections such as pelvic
  inflammatory disease or by previous surgery, scar
  tissue, endometriosis or previous ectopic
  pregnancies are a high-risk factor, which
  significantly, increase the likelihood of a
  pregnancy being ectopic.

6
What Are The Warning Signs Of An Ectopic
Pregnancy?

• Pain In the Abdomen
• Pain in the Shoulder
• Pain Using the Lavatory
• Other Warning Signs
• Vaginal bleeding or unusual periods
• Sickness
• Diarrhoea
• Pallid complexion (paleness)
• Light-headedness
• Collapse
• Increasing pulse rate
• Falling blood pressures