Tubal Pregnancy
What You Need to Know About Tubal Pregnancy
Executive Summary about Tubal Pregnancy by Susan Tanner
tubal ligation pregnancy
What is a tubal pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy, commonly known as a tubal pregnancy, is a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants itself somewhere other than the uterus. Unfortunately, a tubal pregnancy will never develop into a live birth.
What causes tubal pregnancy?
There are many reasons why an egg may become lodged in the fallopian tube. Scar tissue from previous pelvic or fallopian surgery can also lead to tubal pregnancy.
How will I know if I am having a tubal pregnancy?
It can be difficult to recognize symptoms of tubal pregnancy since many of the early signs mirror those of a normal pregnancy, such as missed periods, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, or frequent urination. If you arrive at the hospital complaining about abdominal pains, you will most likely be given a pregnancy test.
Urine pregnancy tests are not necessarily the best pregnancy tests, but they are fast. Speed can be crucial in dealing with a tubal pregnancy. Lower-than-expected hCG levels could indicate a tubal pregnancy. Unfortunately, the ultrasound may not be able to detect every tubal pregnancy.
There is also a more rarely used test for tubal pregnancy, called culdocentesis, which is used to check for internal bleeding. If there is blood or fluid found there, it most likely comes from a ruptured tubal pregnancy. A tubal pregnancy that is further along will likely require surgery to be removed. The tubal pregnancy is then removed, and the damaged organs are repaired or removed.
How will this affect my future pregnancies?
About a third of women with a previous tubal pregnancy will have trouble conceiving again. If the fallopian tubes remain intact, chances for a successful pregnancy in the future are about 60%. The risk of a repeat tubal pregnancy is increased with each subsequent tubal pregnancy.
Am I at risk of having a tubal pregnancy?
Those most at risk of having a tubal pregnancy are women between the ages of 35 and 45 who have had a PID, a previous tubal pregnancy, surgery on a fallopian tube, or infertility problems or medication to stimulate ovulation.
Some birth control methods may also increase your chances for a tubal pregnancy. If you think that you may be at risk of tubal pregnancy, talk to your doctor about it before attempting to conceive. If you are pregnant and experience any of the symptoms of tubal pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately.
Check out our other guide on pregnancy exercise
