What are the treatment options for ectopic pregnancy? Part 2
- Expectancy ('wait and see'): Not all ectopic pregnancies are life threatening or lead to a risk to the mother. In many cases the ectopic pregnancy resolves by itself with no future problems. The pregnancy often dies in a way similar to a miscarriage. A possible option is to 'see how things go' if you have mild or no symptoms. You would need to have treatment if symptoms become worse. Also, you will need close observation and repeated scans and blood tests to check on how things are developing.
If you are Rhesus negative, then you will need an injection of anti-D immunoglobulin. You are Rhesus positive if you have the Rhesus factor (which is a protein on the surface of your red blood cells). If the protein is not present you are Rhesus negative. All pregnant women have a blood test to determine whether they are Rhesus positive or negative. The injection of anti-D immunoglobulin simply prevents you from producing antibodies, which can be harmful in future pregnancies, if you are Rhesus negative.
The above is a brief description of treatment options. A gynaecologist will advise on the pros and cons of each treatment with you. One common question is "what is the chance of having a future normal pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy?" Even if one fallopian tube is removed, you have about a 7 in 10 chance of having a future normal pregnancy. (The other fallopian tube will still usually work.) However, 1 in 10 future pregnancies may lead to another ectopic pregnancy. It is therefore important that women who have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past should go to their doctor early in future pregnancies.
It is common to feel anxious or depressed for a while after treatment. Worries about possible future ectopic pregnancy, the affect on fertility, and sadness over the loss of the pregnancy are normal. Do talk with a doctor about these and any other concerns following treatment.
In summary
- Ectopic pregnancy is common. The pregnancy never survives.
- The typical first symptom is pain in the lower abdomen after a recent missed period.
- As the pregnancy grows it may rupture the fallopian tube, requiring emergency surgery.
- Planned treatment before rupture occurs is best.
- Most women with ectopic pregnancies do not need surgery
- Tell a doctor as soon as you think you are pregnant if you are in a 'risk' group listed above.
Further help and advice
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
c/o 2nd Floor, Golden Jubilee Wing, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS
Helpline: 020 7733 2653 Web: www.ectopic.org.uk
© EMIS and PiP 2008 Reviewed: 18 Sep 2008
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siobhan power, 27 days
hi i have just recently had keyhole surgery because i was told my pregnancy was in actopic i was not given onother oppion, after the operation i was told it was not in the tube now they have left me in a lot of pain and told nothing but the 3 different versions of what happened im very confused and scared especialy when nurses are asking if i mind loosing the baby.i was rushed into theatre without other options being explored as i am now aware there were other options like a second internal scan or an ultra sound or mri they just seemed to egar and convinced me it was in the tube as one nurse told me in her own words its 100 percent in the tube and acording to there own guidelines if nothing is seen in the internal scan they wait a few days and try again
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