Who gets ectopic pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy can occur in any sexually active woman. However, the chance is higher than average in the following 'at-risk' groups:
- If you have already had an ectopic pregnancy you have about a 1 in 10 chance that a future pregnancy will be ectopic. If you have had two or more ectopic pregnancies, then your chances of another ectopic pregnancy are much greater.
- If you have kinking, scarring, damage, or other abnormality of a fallopian tube. This is because a fertilised egg may become 'stuck' in the tube more easily. For example:
o If you have had a previous infection of the uterus or fallopian tube (pelvic inflammatory disease). This is most commonly due to either chlamydia or gonorrhoea. These infections can lead to some scarring of the fallopian tubes. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are common causes of pelvic infection.
o Previous sterilisation operation. Although sterilisation is a very effective method of contraception, if a pregnancy does occur, about 1 in 20 are ectopic.
o Any previous surgery to a fallopian tube or nearby structures.
o If you have endometriosis (a condition of the uterus and surrounding area).
- If you use a intrauterine device (coil). Again, pregnancy is rare as this is an effective method of contraception.
- If you are using assisted conception (some types of infertility treatments).
- The risk of ectopic pregnancy increases in women over the age of 40 years and also in smokers.
If you are in any of the above groups, see a doctor as soon as you think you may be pregnant. Tests can detect pregnancy as early as 7-8 days after fertilisation, which can actually be before your period is even due.
How is ectopic pregnancy confirmed?
If you have symptoms that may indicate an ectopic pregnancy you will usually be seen in the hospital immediately.
- A urine test can confirm that you are pregnant.
- An ultrasound scan may confirm an ectopic pregnancy. This is usually a transvaginal (internal) scan which is not painful and shows good views of the fallopian tubes. However, the scan may not be clear if the pregnancy is very early. If this is the case, then a repeat scan a few days later if often performed.
- Blood tests that show changes in the pregnancy hormones (human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG) are also usually performed.
Average rating:
agnes, about 1 year
I have a niece who is pregnat just now and is in sever pain at first she was told it was because of dehighdration and also she had a urine infection. in hospital she got fluid through a drip and anibiotics after a few days got home however pain didn't easy she could hardly move went back to hospital and they said rest aqnd pain killers as there wasn't much else they could do. went home. She was admited back into hospital this week again dehidrated she cant keep anything down, they gave her anti sickness tablets and painkillers for the pain, her doctor said at first it was musel spasms she was having however because she had lost a baby last year and was taken into haspital as they said it wasnt growing and they couldnt detect a heart beat this was at around 10wks she was in sever pain and could hardly move, just this same as this time she says that she has been told that the baby is where it should be she was ttold this the last time is this history repeating it self she is talking about going for an abortion she has been talking to her partner about it and also the nurses, she told me and her mum however waited till we were left alone and told me that the hospital have made her an appointment for wednesday the 28th of this month to go and see about it, she asked if I hated mher because of this I said I would never hate her I may not agree with iher decsion I explaind that it would be diffrent if it was putting her life at risk or the baby I said I would understand her better I also said that if she did do this and because this is the second time she has gone through so much that I didn;t think she should have any more as I said everytime you have a little pain or sickness does it mean you want to get rid, she already has an eight year old little girl. she had her when she was 16yrs old and didn't go through all this then. I was just wandering what could be causin this she had surgery about 2yrs ago for kidney stones they had to put a rod or something in to get rid of them and I was wandering if they were any scaring could this cause the pain she is in when pregnant.
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