DESCRIPTION

A ectopic pregnancy that develops outside the uterus. The most common site is in one of the narrow tubes that connect each ovary to the uterus (fallopian tube). Other sites include the ovary or outside the reproductive organs in the abdominal cavity or the cervix. About 1 in 100 pregnancies is ectopic.

---

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Early signs:

• Missed menstrual period or any menstrual irregularity.


• Unexplained vaginal spotting or bleeding.


• Lower abdominal pain and cramps.


• Pain in the shoulder (rare).

Late stages:

• Sudden, sharp, severe abdominal pain caused by rupture of the fallopian tube.


• Dizziness, fainting and shock (paleness, rapid heartbeat, drop in blood pressure and cold sweats). These may preceded or accompany pain (sometimes).

---

CAUSES

An egg from the ovary is fertilized and becomes implanted outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. As the fertilized egg enlarges, the fallopian tube stretches and ruptures, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.

---

RISK INCREASES WITH

Use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception that results in a pelvic infection.

Previous abdominal or pelvic infection (e.g., ruptured appendicitis).

Adhesions (bands of scar tissue) from previous abdominal surgery.

Previous tubal pregnancy.

Previous tubal or uterine surgery.

History of endometriosis (inflammation of the endometrium [lining of the uterus]).

Malformed (abnormal) uterus.

---

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Use a contraceptive method other than an IUD.

Obtain prompt treatment for any pelvic infection.

---

EXPECTED OUTCOME

An ectopic pregnancy cannot progress to full term or produce a viable fetus. Rupture of an ectopic pregnancy is an emergency requiring immediate treatment. Full recovery is likely with early diagnosis and surgery. Subsequent pregnancies are normal in about 50 to 85 percent of patients.

---

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Infection.

Diminished fertility.

Loss of reproductive organs after complicated surgery.

Shock and death from internal bleeding.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Diagnostic tests may include serum pregnancy test, ultrasound, culdocentesis (a needle is inserted through the back of the vagina and pelvic fluid is aspirated), laparoscopy (telescope instrument with fiber optic light is inserted into the abdomen for visual examination and may be used to remove the ectopic pregnancy), D&C (Dilation & Curettage) and exploratory laparotomy.

Evaluation and treatment may be done on an outpatient basis.

Hospitalization may be required for surgery and supportive care. Blood transfusion may be necessary.

Surgery to remove the developing embryo, the placenta, and any damaged tissue. If the fallopian tube cannot be repaired, it is removed. Future normal pregnancy is possible with one fallopian tube.

Following surgery:

• After 24 hours, you may wash normally over the stitches in your incision.



• Use heat to relieve pain. Apply a heating pad or hot-water bottle to the abdomen or back. Hot baths also relieve discomfort and relax muscles. Sit in a tub of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat as often as needed.

---

MEDICATION

In some early, unruptured or chronic ectopic pregnancies, methotrexate (a chemotherapy drug) is used as an effective medical approach in removing the pregnancy tissue. Specific guidelines and close follow-up are necessary when this drug is prescribed.

After operative procedures, pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or narcotics may be prescribed for 2 to 7 days.

Antibiotics if infection is present.

Iron supplements if necessary for anemia.

---

ACTIVITY

Resume your normal activities including work as soon as possible following the treatment procedure utilized. Recovery is generally faster with laparoscopy than with laparotomy.

Avoid sexual relations until a follow-up medical examination determines healing is complete.

---

DIET

No special diet. However a well-balanced diet will help build a strong immune system and aid in the healing process after surgery is performed.

NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...

You or a family member has symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, especially a rupture. Call for emergency medical care immediately. This is an emergency and can be life-threatening!

The following occur after surgery:

• Excessive vaginal bleeding (soaking a pad or tampon every hour).



• Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, headache, dizziness, or muscle aches.



• Increases urinary frequency that lasts longer than 1 month. this may be a sign of bladder infection or infection resulting from surgery.

MoonDragon's Ectopic & Molar Pregnancy Overview

---

PREGNANCY RELATED LINKS

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information & Survival Tips

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information Index

MoonDragon's Pediatric Information Index

MoonDragon's Parenting Information Index

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index

---

HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Manufacturers & Distributors

See all our merchant banners below for products, remedies and supplements recommended on this web site.

HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements -- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements -- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders -- by Phyllis A. Balch The Complete Guide to Natural Healing This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item. If you see a suggested Amazon product "not there" as indicated by an orange box with the Amazon logo, this only means the specific product link has been changed by Amazon.com. Use the "click here" icon on the orange box and it will bring you to Amazon.com and you can do a search for a specific product using keywords and a new list of available products and prices will show. Their product and resource links are constantly changing and being upgraded. Many times there are more than one link to a specific product. Prices will vary between product distributors so it pays to shop around and do price comparisons. Educational materials and health products are available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.

For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs A Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs B Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs C Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs D Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs E Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs F Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs G Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs H Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs I Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs J Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs K Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs L	Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs M Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs N Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs O Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs P Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs R Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs S Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs T Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs U Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs V Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs W Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs Y

Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils

Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils A-B Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Kits

Mountain Rose Herbs.com: Order Online
Accessories & Tools Aroma Sprays & Flower Waters Body & Bath Bulk Herbs Bulk Ingredients Bulk Oils Butters Capsules Clays Essential Oils	Facial Care Hair Care Herbal Extracts Herbal Oils Herbal Salves & Balms Herbal Teas Herbs For Pets Incense, Resins & Candles Massage Oils Medicinal Herb Seeds Tea Brewing Supplies

---

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics Index

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Therapy Index

MoonDragon's Nutrition Therapy Index

MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information Index

MoonDragon's Aromatherapy Information Index

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness Index

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information Index by Subject Order

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information Index by Alphabetical Order

MoonDragon's Main Indexlisting

MoonDragon's Home Page