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Ectopic Pregnancy
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
An ectopic (ek-TOP-ik) pregnancy, also called a tubal
pregnancy, is a pregnancy that grows outside the uterus (womb).
Ectopic pregnancies often grow in one of the fallopian
(fuh-LOW-pee-un) tubes. The pregnancy can also grow in the
ovary, cervix (bottom part of uterus), or the abdomen. A
tubal pregnancy cannot grow like a normal pregnancy. As the
fetus (baby) grows, the tube is stretched. If the tube bursts,
there can be severe bleeding inside the abdomen. Your life
could be in danger and emergency surgery must be
done.
Causes
Some possible reasons for an ectopic pregnancy are IUD
use, tubal infection, a growth pressing against the tube, past
tubal surgery, past tubal pregnancy, or smoking. A condition
called endometriosis (end-o-meet-ree-O-sis) can also cause an
ectopic pregnancy.
Signs/Symptoms
Common symptoms are dull pain or
sharp lower abdominal pain and spotty or heavy vaginal
bleeding. You may have back and right shoulder pain. You could
be nauseated, faint, weak; have vomiting or cold sweats; or
feel as though your heart is racing.
Care
Surgery is usually needed to
remove an ectopic pregnancy and repair or remove the damaged
fallopian tube. It must be done even if the tube has not
burst.
Risks
Women can die from an ectopic
pregnancy. But the risks of serious illness or death are very
small if the pregnancy is surgically
removed.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have chills, headaches, dizziness, or muscle
aches.
-
You have a high
temperature.
-
You have pain or burning when you urinate. These are
signs of an infection.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You develop really bad abdominal pain or heavy
vaginal bleeding.
IF YOU'RE HEADING TO THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Activity: You will be asked to stay in bed before
surgery. After surgery, you will be encouraged to get out
of bed with help. You can walk more as you feel
better.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
Medicines: You may need antibiotics to prevent
infection. These may be given in your IV, in a shot, or by
mouth.
-
Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or
from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the
blood.
-
Chest X-ray: This picture of your lungs and heart is
usually taken before surgery. The doctors use it to see how
your heart and lungs are handling the
emergency.
-
Abdominal or Vaginal Ultrasound: A painless test
done while lying down. A dab of a jelly-like lotion is
placed on your belly. The person doing the test will gently
move a small handle through the lotion and across the skin.
A TV-like screen is attached to the handle. To perform a
vaginal ultrasound, a small tube is placed in your vagina.
There is no pain.
-
Blood Transfusion: A blood transfusion may be
necessary if you lose too much
blood.
-
After Surgery:
-
You will be returned to your hospital room when you
are awake. Ask for medicine if you are having pain. You
may want to have someone stay with you to give comfort
and support.
-
You will go home when you are eating, drinking, and
able to care for yourself.
-
Grief:
-
You may feel scared, confused, and depressed
because so much has happened in a short time. You may
also feel sad or angry at the loss of your
pregnancy.
-
You may blame yourself and think you have done
something wrong. These feelings are normal. Talk about
them with your doctor or someone close to
you.
After You Leave
-
Take your medicine as directed by your
doctor.
-
Follow your doctor's suggestions about taking care of
your stitches.
-
Place a heating pad set on ""low'' or a hot water
bottle on your abdomen if you experience
pain.
-
You can take warm baths to help sore muscles. Take
them as often as needed.
-
Rest and slowly get back to normal activity. Eating
healthy foods and drinking liquids will help you return to
your usual health.
-
Talk to your doctor before you start exercising. He
or she will tell you when you may
begin.
-
Your doctor will tell you when you may have
sex.
-
Schedule a check-up with your
doctor.
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