An ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous condition that makes a pregnancy non-viable and may jeopardize the life of the mother. It’s important to understand ectopic pregnancy and how to determine whether your pregnancy is at-risk. If you believe you’re pregnant, after reading this article, schedule your free pregnancy examination with Sira in Gainesville to screen for ectopic pregnancy.
Here are five things you should know about ectopic pregnancy…
1. Ectopic Pregnancy Defined
An ectopic pregnancy is any pregnancy in which the egg attaches itself somewhere other than inside the central area of the uterus. This may be in one of the fallopian tubes, in the upper corner of the uterus, on the cervix, along a prior C-section scar or anywhere outside of the uterus.
2. An Ectopic Pregnancy Can Not Be Saved
Unfortunately, the developing embryo can not be saved when an ectopic pregnancy occurs. While some women understandably ask if the embryo can simply be moved to the appropriate location within their body, medical science is not yet capable of this. Depending on the location of the fertilized egg, it will often dissolve on its own, but this should be monitored closely for the mother’s health.
3. Tubal Pregnancy is the Most Common Form of Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancies occur in about 1-2% of all pregnancies. 95% of these are tubal pregnancies, in which the egg is fertilized and subsequently attaches within one of the fallopian tubes. Women with damage, inflammation or infection in their fallopian tubes are at much higher risk for a tubal pregnancy.
4. Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy Can Be Life-Threatening for the Mother
If allowed to continue, a tubal ectopic pregnancy places the mother’s life at risk. As the embryo grows, it eventually ruptures the fallopian tube, producing internal bleeding. This bleeding can be severe enough to lead to the mother’s death.
5. It’s Vital to Have an Early-Pregnancy Ultrasound Exam to Screen for Ectopic Pregnancy
One of the first things a healthcare professional does following a positive medical pregnancy test result is to conduct a pregnancy confirmation ultrasound exam. Among other things, this exam determines the location of the pregnancy, thus identifying or ruling out the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy.
If you believe you might be pregnant, you can get a medical pregnancy test and pregnancy confirmation ultrasound exam for free at Sira in Gainesville. There’s no insurance required and all services are provided confidentially.
Contact Sira in Gainesville today at 352-377-4947 to schedule your appointment.