$Unique_ID{BRK01392}
$Pretitle{Pregnancy and Childbirth}
$Title{About Ectopic Pregnancies}
$Subject{pregnancy ectopic family}
$Volume{K-14}
$Log{
Ectopic Pregnancy*0009001.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


About Ectopic Pregnancies


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QUESTION:  My older sister has just gone through the frightening experience of
an ectopic pregnancy.  She is fine now, and the doctor says she will be able
to have another pregnancy soon.  I found it difficult to understand just what
happened, and I am anxious about myself.  I too, want to have a baby and want
to know if my sister's experience may mean I will someday have to face the
same problem.  Could you explain about ectopic pregnancies please, so that I
can know what to do?

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ANSWER:  While still relatively uncommon, the number of ectopic pregnancies
more than doubled between 1970 and 1980, and now account for approximately 1.4
percent of all pregnancies.  However they are most important, for they are
responsible for about 13 percent of pregnancy related deaths.  The word
"ectopic" comes from the Greek "ektopos" which means "displaced" and
graphically describes the condition, for an ectopic pregnancy is one in which
the pregnancy is developing outside of the normal position in the uterus.  In
about 98 percent of the cases of ectopic pregnancy, it occurs in the fallopian
tube, the long tubular passage that runs from the ovary to the uterus.  Three
symptoms are characteristic of a tubal pregnancy; abdominal pain, vaginal
bleeding preceded by the absence of a normal period.  An examination will show
tenderness in the area, and frequently the presence of a mass.  Although this
may resemble an appendicitis, or acute salpingitis (infection of the tubes),
finding of a positive pregnancy test can often be the confirming test that
helps make the diagnosis.  There are some conditions which make an ectopic
pregnancy more likely to occur.  They include an infection in the fallopian
tubes, (salpingitis), endometriosis, a previous ectopic pregnancy in the
tubes, or surgery to the fallopian tubes including a previous tubal
sterilization.  When such a pregnancy occurs, it must be removed surgically
either by removing all of the fallopian tube, or the portion of the tube in
which the pregnancy is located.  Since none of these factors involve an
inherited trait, it is most improbable that your desire for children will pass
through the same obstacles that must be overcome by your sister.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
