When an OB-GYN diagnoses a pregnancy complication such as an ectopic pregnancy, this can be an incredibly stressful situation for an expectant mother.
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg develops outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can significantly affect the health of the mother and lead to fallopian tube damage, infertility or death.
Jamie Hernandez, MD, an OB-GYN at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Group Caritas Women's Care in Sugar Land, treats a range of gynecologic health concerns including ectopic pregnancies. Although up to 1 in 50 pregnancies are ectopic,
"More than 50 percent of my patients do not have any risk factors for an ectopic pregnancy," Dr. Hernandez says.
Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include:
If you are at risk and trying to get pregnant, charting your ovulation may be helpful for your OBGYN to detect early signs of ectopic pregnancy. Knowing the early signs of pregnancy and important prenatal screenings will help you and your doctor monitor your health.
Possible ectopic pregnancy symptoms include:
If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Many mothers want to know if there are ways to diagnose ectopic pregnancy early. There are three ways for an OB-GYN or doctor to determine if a pregnancy is ectopic:
OB-GYNs can use expectant, medical, or surgical management for an ectopic pregnancy. The three surgical options include a salpingectomy (fallopian tube removal), salpingostomy (fallopian tube incision), or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Ectopic pregnancies are cared for on an individual basis. Talk to your OB-GYN to find out which treatment option is right for you. Make an appointment with Caritas Women's Care, an OB-GYN group that gives expectant mothers the best possible care.
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