Ectopic Pregnancy 101

Bringing awareness to pregnancy loss and ectopic pregnancies is something I am really passionate about. I never want any woman to feel as alone as I did. I have had 2 ectopic/tubal pregnancies. Both pregnancies were really scary, traumatic, and life threatening. Both times I needed emergency surgery and my left fallopian tube has been removed. I am still recovering mentally, & emotionally from my experiences. An ectopic pregnancy was one of those “it will never happen to me” things I had listed in my head, but when it did it was devastating.

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus. Most often ectopic pregnancies are in a fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies are also sometimes called tubal pregnancies. A fertilized egg CANNOT survive and grow outside of the uterus.

Only 1 in 50 or 2% of pregnancies are ectopic.

50% of all ectopic pregnancies happen for unknown reasons.

An ectopic pregnancy is considered a medical emergency since it can damage nearby organs and can cause life-threatening blood loss.

Symptoms can include pelvic pain, mild cramping on one side, vaginal bleeding, nausea, weakness, dizziness, & low blood pressure. If the tube has already ruptured, a mother may show symptoms of shock.

Ectopic pregnancies are diagnosed using a combination of ultrasound and blood test. An ultrasound is used to show where a pregnancy is located. Blood tests are taken 48hrs apart. Low hCG levels, or hCG levels that rise in an erratic pattern, suggest an ectopic pregnancy.

o prevent complications, treatment is needed. In the early stages, medications may be sufficient. Later stages require surgery.

If a woman is able to get pregnant after an ectopic pregnancy, there is at least a 10% chance of having another ectopic pregnancy. If she’s had two ectopics, the recurrence rate is 30%.

Grief after an ectopic pregnancy is normal. I know I have grieved both the loss of my babies, but also the fallopian tube that needed to be removed. If you have had an ectopic pregnancy know you are not alone. There is hope, and you can find peace again.

If you have questions or an experience with ectopic pregnancies please share below...