Ectopic Pregnancy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Ectopic pregnancy is pregnancy where a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus (womb). Normally, an egg cell fertilized by a sperm cell grows into a baby inside the uterus. In ectopic pregnancy, the egg does not attach (implant) inside the uterus and grows somewhere else. The most common place for this to happen is in the fallopian tube (tubal pregnancy). It can also implant on the outside of the uterus, on the ovary or cervix, or in the abdomen (stomach). These parts of the body cannot support a growing baby. Past infections or surgery in your abdomen may increase your risk for this condition. Taking medicines to help increase fertility (getting pregnant) or being exposed to tobacco smoke may also increase your risk.
  
  
• With this condition, you may have missed your monthly period and then later have bleeding from your vagina. You may have pain in your abdomen (stomach). You may also have nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), and some tissue coming out of your vagina. To diagnose your condition, you may need blood, urine, and ultrasound tests. You may be watched to see if your condition changes. You may be given anti-cancer medicine or you may need surgery. You will probably lose the baby in having this condition. Diagnosing and treating your condition as soon as possible may help relieve your symptoms and prevent problems in future pregnancies.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

For support and more information: You will probably lose your baby in having this condition and accepting this may be hard. You and those close to you may feel angry, sad, or frightened. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a support group with other people who have had this condition. Call or contact the following:

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  409 12th Street, SW
  Washington, DC 20090
  Phone: 1-202-638-5577
  Web Address: http://www.acog.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have pain that gets worse or is not controlled with your medicine.
  
  
• You cannot make it to your next appointment.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel you are going to faint.
  
  
• You have bad abdominal (stomach) pain or heavy vaginal bleeding.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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