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Ectopic Pregnancy What is an ectopic pregnancy A tubal or ectopic pregnancy is one
that occurs outside the uterus. Usually, in such cases, a fertilized
egg is implanted in the Fallopian tube, instead of in the uterine cavity.
The occurrence of an ectopic pregnancy is about 2 in a 100. This condition
is probably caused by some irregularity in the Fallopian tube that obstructs
the passage of the egg into the uterus. The chances of a fertilized egg
being implanted in the ovary, abdominal cavity or the cervix are extremely
rare.
What are the symptoms
of an ectopic pregnancy
It is imperative that this condition
be diagnosed and treated at the earliest. If this condition remains undetected,
the pregnancy will continue to grow in the tube leading to the rupture
of the tube. Consequently, fertilized eggs will not be able to travel through
the tube to the uterus in future conceptions. An untreated ruptured tube
could endanger the mother’s life.
How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed The level of the hormone hCG in the
mother’s blood is an indicator of an ectopic pregnancy. Pregnancy test
results that show that the level of hCG hormone in the mother’s blood has
fallen or has not risen with the progress of pregnancy, indicate an abnormal
pregnancy. An ultrasound may reveal the absence of a gestational sac in
the uterus or the development of a pregnancy in the Fallopian tube. A laparascopy
enables the doctor to view the tubes directly and confirm the diagnosis.
How is an ectopic pregnancy treated An ectopic pregnancy is treated through surgery with a laparascope. The surgical procedure is determined by the location of the ectopic pregnancy. Pregnancies near the open end of the tube can often be removed without cutting the tube, while those nearer to the uterus must be cut out. Ectopic pregnancies that occur in the part of the tube contained within the wall of the uterus are called interstitial pregnancies. In such cases, the doctors may have no choice but to perform a hysterectomy, i.e. the uterus itself will have to be removed along with the tube and the products of conception. Recently, an anticancer drug called methotrexate is being administered as an alternative to surgery. It works by putting a stop to cell growth. Consequently, the pregnancy is destroyed. To add your views on this article or read others comments Click Here
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