Ectopic Pregnancy

Newspaper Column Ad Appearing 11-06-02

Ectopic means "out of place" and an ectopic pregnancy involves a fertilized egg that has implanted outside the uterus. The egg settles in the fallopian tubes more than 95% of the time which is why ectopic pregnancies are commonly called "tubal pregnancies". There is a common misconception that this results from the fertilized egg’s inability to quickly work its way far enough down the fallopian tube into the uterus. In reality, a fertilized egg or embryo cannot move by itself. Instead, it is "squeezed" by sequential contractions of the tubal musculature towards the uterus. If the tube is obstructed by a prior infection, the embryo will be stuck in the fallopian tube and will implant "out of place". Sometimes the tube may be open but it does not function properly and is unable to "squeeze" the embryo towards the uterus. This also results in an "out of place" tubal implantation. Occasionally, the embryo may also implant in the ovary, abdomen, or in many other locations - none of which has as much space or nurturing tissue as the uterus for a pregnancy to develop. We have recently reported a pregnancy which developed in the upper abdomen next to the pancreas. As the pregnancy progresses, the placental tissue invades the surrounding blood vessels which eventually rupture and may result in a life-threatening hemorrhage. For this reason, the abnormal pregnancy must be terminated.

This is one good reason to see your doctor promptly if you think you could be pregnant. Your obstetrician will initially confirm your pregnancy and determine that it is, indeed, growing where it is suppose to be. Early care means early detection of ectopic pregnancy but it is just as important to receive early prenatal care if your pregnancy is progressing normally. Using pelvic ultrasound, which is now commonly available in doctors’ offices, a gestational sac can be seen and determined if it is in a proper or "out of place" location as early as one (1) week after the missed menstrual period. A week later, fetal cardiac activity can be detected with the Doppler ultrasound. This column is presented in the public interest by the OAK BROOK FERTILITY CENTER, a medical practice devoted to reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and assisted reproductive technology. New patients are welcome.

P.S. Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include missed periods, breast tenderness, nausea, and vomiting.

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