Top ectopic pregnancy resources

In a normal pregnancy, fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, and the pregnancy implants and grows in the uterine cavity. In an ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy implants and grows elsewhere, such as in the tube or, rarely, in the cervix, ovary, or the abdominal cavity itself. Damage to the tube from infection or previous surgery may increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, but doctors do not know for certain why it happens.

The incidence of ectopic pregnancy has risen in recent years, mostly because if today's increasing rate of pelvic inflammatory disease. Ectopic pregnancy is estimated to occur in 1 out of 100 pregnancies, and, unfortunately, after one ectopic pregnancy, the risk of another is significant, perhaps as high as 15-20 percent. If you have had two ectopic pregnancies, the risk of having another one increases to nearly 50 percent. But almost half of those women who have had ectopic pregnancies do go on to have babies successfully.

If you have had one ectopic pregnancy, it is crucial that you seee your doctor early if you think you might be pregnant. Even if your home pregnancy test is negative, you may have an ectopic pregnancy. Early diagnosis is important both to reduce damage to your fallopian tubes and to prevent the risk of internal bleeding and even death. Be particulaylr aware of pain or bleeding in the first eight weeks of pregnancy, and seek help immediately.