What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy can be dangerous if it goes undetected. The embryo can continue to grow, causing the fallopian tube to burst. This puts the mother’s life at risk.
Is treatment for an Ectopic Pregnancy considered an abortion?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy develops outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. Intervention is necessary in this case, and is wise to seek urgent medical attention to protect the mother’s life. Medical intervention in the case of an ectopic pregnancy is not considered an abortion. Therefore, the laws restricting abortions do not apply to ectopic pregnancies. If you or someone you know is facing an ectopic pregnancy, help is available. It does not matter where you live. Treatment for ectopic pregnancy is legal and available in every state.
What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
At first, an ectopic pregnancy can cause the same symptoms as a regular pregnancy. These include a missed period, nausea, mood swings, and a positive pregnancy test. There most likely won’t be any distinct signs of an ectopic pregnancy until the embryo grows large enough to cause pain and bleeding.
That’s why an early detection ultrasound is so important. With an ultrasound a medical professional can see where the embryo is implanted to rule out ectopic pregnancy concerns. Pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding will likely be the first noticeable indicators of an ectopic pregnancy.
There are also more serious symptoms that may signal that the fallopian tube is beginning to rupture. Call your doctor or 911, or go to the emergency room right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- vaginal bleeding
- extreme dizziness
- gush/flow of watery fluid from vagina
- blurred vision/spots before eyes
- marked swelling in upper or lower extremities or face
- difficulty breathing
- severe headache
- temperature over 100.4 F
- other serious symptoms
- severe stomach pain/cramping
- severe vomiting
- chest pain
- abdominal/pelvic pain
- painful urination
How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed?
The best way to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy is by confirming the location of the pregnancy through ultrasound. A limited obstetrical ultrasound will use sound waves to see the placement of the pregnancy. This will help you know where the pregnancy is located, if it is viable, and help you figure out how far along you are.
What about sexually transmitted diseases or infections? How do they correlate with ectopic pregnancies?
Studies suggest that certain sexually transmitted diseases or infections, such as Chlamydia, could increase the chance of an ectopic pregnancy due to the specific protein produced by the bacteria that causes the infection. This protein can cause scarring and black the fallopian tube(s). See source linked below for more information.
Does ectopic pregnancy affect future pregnancies?
Research suggests that many women who experience an ectopic pregnancy go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future. Even if a fallopian tube is injured or removed due to an ectopic pregnancy, the female body is made with two fallopian tubes, so an egg can still join with a sperm in the other tube and travel to the uterus successfully. See source linked below for more information.
Whether you think you may be facing an ectopic pregnancy or not, having an ultrasound to medically verify your pregnancy is vital to your health. Searching for ectopic pregnancy help online will only get you so far. Visit us today to talk to one of our medical staff.
Sources
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110111132717.htm#:~:text=Summary%3A,womb%2C%20in%20the%20fallopian%20tube
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372093