Advanced Womens Health Center
8501 Brimhall Road #300
Bakersfield CA, 93312
Suites C and D (West side)
8501 Brimhall Road #300
Bakersfield CA, 93312
Suites C and D (West side)
In order for a woman to get pregnant, the ovary has to release an egg into the fallopian tube. Here, it stays for around 24 hours, waiting to come into contact with sperm. If the egg is fertilized, it stays in the fallopian tube for three to four days before moving to the uterus. Once in the uterus, it attaches to the lining, continuing to grow until a baby is born.
In some cases, however, the fertilized egg doesn’t implant in the uterus, and instead implants in the fallopian tube or somewhere in the abdomen. When this occurs, it is called an ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy typically happens during the first four weeks of pregnancy. Because an ectopic pregnancy may not feel like anything out of the ordinary, many women don’t even know they are experiencing symptoms.
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy often include regular pregnancy symptoms such as a missed menstrual period, tenderness in the breasts, nausea, and fatigue.
Women who have an ectopic pregnancy may also experience these symptoms:
A potentially dangerous symptom of an ectopic pregnancy is a fallopian tube rupture. If this occurs, you may experience a sudden bout of severe pain and bleeding. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to call your doctor right away, or go to the emergency room.
Sometimes an ectopic pregnancy occurs for no apparent reason. A woman may unknowingly have a damaged fallopian tube that prevents the fertilized egg from traveling to the uterus.
While the causes of an ectopic pregnancy aren’t always known, women are more likely to experience an ectopic pregnancy if they meet any of the following criteria:
This criteria usually also indicates that you have a high-risk pregnancy, which necessitates additional visits.
If your doctor suspects you may be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, they will likely perform a series of tests including a pregnancy test and a pelvic exam or ultrasound.
If you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy that is not far along and your fallopian tube hasn’t ruptured, your doctor can give you an injection of methotrexate. This medication stops the cells from growing and allows them to simply be absorbed into your body.
Sometimes, surgery is required to treat an ectopic pregnancy. The most common surgery is a laparoscopy. During this procedure, your doctor will make a very small incision in your lower abdomen and insert a thin, flexible instrument to remove the ectopic pregnancy.
If your fallopian tube sustained damage, your doctor may need to repair the tube. For more serious fallopian tube ruptures, emergency surgery known as a laparotomy may be necessary.
In short answer-yes! It Is important to schedule regular visit with your OBGYN provider to determine any additional workup, if needed. While an ectopic pregnancy can be a scary experience, it shouldn’t discourage you from growing a family. Schedule an appointment today.