Can You Save the Baby in an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy

Tubal pregnancy; Cervical pregnancy; Tubal ligation - ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb (uterus). Information technology may be fatal to the female parent.

Laparoscopy is performed when less-invasive surgery is desired. Information technology is too chosen Ring-Aid surgery because only small incisions need to be fabricated to suit the small-scale surgical instruments that are used to view the abdominal contents and perform the surgery.

The ultrasound has go a standard procedure used during pregnancy. It can demonstrate fetal growth and can detect increasing numbers of weather in the fetus including meningomyelocele, congenital heart disease, kidney abnormalities, hydrocephalus, anencephaly, lodge feet, and other deformities. Ultrasound does not produce ionizing radiation and is considered a very rubber procedure for both the female parent and the fetus.

External structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris. Internal structures include the uterus, ovaries, and cervix.

The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. One time the egg has left the ovary it can exist fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to nativity.

This is a normal ultrasound of a fetus at 19 weeks gestation. The right foot, including the developing bones, are clearly visible in the middle of the screen.

An ectopic pregnancy is 1 in which the fertilized egg implants in tissue outside of the uterus and the placenta and fetus begin to develop at that place. The near common site is within a Fallopian tube, nevertheless, ectopic pregnancies can occur in the ovary, the abdomen, and in the lower portion of the uterus (the cervix).

Causes

In most pregnancies, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube to the womb (uterus). If the motion of the egg is blocked or slowed through the tubes, it tin can atomic number 82 to an ectopic pregnancy. Things that may cause this problem include:

• Nascency defect in the fallopian tubes
• Scarring subsequently a ruptured appendix
• Endometriosis
• Having had an ectopic pregnancy in the past
• Scarring from past infections or surgery of the female organs

The following besides increase chance for an ectopic pregnancy:

• Historic period over 35
• Getting significant while having an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Having your tubes tied
• Having had surgery to untie tubes to become significant
• Having had many sexual partners
• Sexually transmitted infections (STI)
• Some infertility treatments

Sometimes, the cause is not known. Hormones may play a role.

The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube. In rare cases, this can occur in the ovary, belly, or neck.

An ectopic pregnancy can occur even if y'all use birth command.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Mild cramping on 1 side of the pelvis
• No periods
• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area

If the area effectually the aberrant pregnancy ruptures and bleeds, symptoms may get worse. They may include:

• Fainting or feeling faint
• Intense pressure in the rectum
• Depression blood pressure
• Hurting in the shoulder area
• Astringent, sharp, and sudden pain in the lower abdomen

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will exercise a pelvic examination. The exam may show tenderness in the pelvic area.

A pregnancy exam and vaginal ultrasound will be done.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is produced during pregnancy. Checking the claret level of this hormone can detect pregnancy.

• When hCG levels are above a certain value, a pregnancy sac in the uterus should be seen with ultrasound.
• If the sac is not seen, this may indicate that an ectopic pregnancy is present.

Treatment

Ectopic pregnancy is life threatening. The pregnancy cannot go on to birth (term). The developing cells must be removed to save the mother's life.

If the ectopic pregnancy has not ruptured, treatment may include:

• Surgery
• Medicine that ends the pregnancy, along with close monitoring past your dr.

You will demand emergency medical assistance if the surface area of the ectopic pregnancy breaks open (ruptures). Rupture can lead to bleeding and stupor. Treatment for shock may include:

• Claret transfusion
• Fluids given through a vein
• Keeping warm
• Oxygen
• Raising the legs

If there is a rupture, surgery is done to finish claret loss and remove the pregnancy. In some cases, the doctor may accept to remove the fallopian tube.

Outlook (Prognosis)

I out of three women who have had 1 ectopic pregnancy can have a baby in the futurity. Another ectopic pregnancy is more likely to occur. Some women do not become pregnant again.

The likelihood of a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy depends on:

• The woman's age
• Whether she has already had children
• Why the first ectopic pregnancy occurred

When to Contact a Medical Professional person

Telephone call your provider if you have:

• Abnormal vaginal haemorrhage
• Lower abdominal or pelvic hurting

Prevention

Most forms of ectopic pregnancy that occur outside the fallopian tubes are probably non preventable. You may exist able to reduce your risk by avoiding conditions that may scar the fallopian tubes. These steps include:

• Practicing safer sex by taking steps before and during sex, which can prevent you from getting an infection
• Getting early on diagnosis and handling of all STIs
• Stopping smoking

References

Alur-Gupta S, Cooney LG, Senapati Due south, Sammel MD3, Barnhart KT. Two-dose versus single-dose methotrexate for treatment of ectopic pregnancy: a meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;221(2):95-108.e2. PMID: 30629908 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30629908/.

Kho RM, Lobo RA. Ectopic pregnancy: etiology, pathology, diagnosis, management, fertility prognosis. In: Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. seventh ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 17.

Nelson AL, Gambone JC. Ectopic pregnancy. In: Hacker NF, Gambone JC, Hobel CJ, eds. Hacker & Moore'south Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 24.

Salhi BA, Nagrani Due south. Acute complications of pregnancy. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Colina M, eds. Rosen'due south Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 178.

Version Info

Last reviewed on: 1/27/2020

Reviewed by: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, Dr., MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.G. Editorial team.

Can You Save the Baby in an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Source: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy

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