by Rebecca Boles-O'Donnell

Created on: April 30, 2008   Last Updated: May 05, 2008

I has been a little over a year since I had my tubal pregnancy. As devastating as it was I am so happy to be here today. I never realized the severity of having an etopic pregnancy resulting in the loss of one of my fallopian tubes. I have two beautiful daughters to be thankful for so when my doctor told me my chances of getting pregnant again would be hard lightened the impact. Sure I was sad, but God granted me the most beautiful daughters in the world. I looked into my heart and remembered a saying my grandma once told me "God only puts as much on a person as they can handle. Sometimes it is hard to see the light, but it will make you a stronger person in the end." I believe in those words. So for those who are unsure of what an etopic pregnancy is please keep reading below.

What is an etopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancies never result in a live birth. It is when a fertilized egg implants itself somewhere other than in the uterine lining. Most of the time is is in the fallopian tubes, making an etopic pregnancy also known as a tubal pregnancy. The egg might also implant itself in the ovary or cervix. Once the fertilized egg begins to grow in one of the places mentioned above it can cause the organ to burst. It can be life threatening if not treated right away. Recognizing the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy in the early stages can not only save your life, but can also decrease the risk of future fertility problems.

What are the signs and symptoms of an etopic pregnancy?

The most common symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are:

- a late period
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- a positive pregnancy test
- fainting, lightheaded, or dizzy
- pain in your lower abdominal
- bladder or bowel pain
- abdomen sharp, stabbing pains

If experiencing a combination of any of these symptoms make an appointment with a doctor to be tested for an ectopic pregnancy.

What are the causes of an etopic pregnancy?

Damage to the fallopian tubes is one of the main causes of an ectopic pregnancy. It could be from scarring caused by surgery or by infections, like pelvic inflammatory disease, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Seeking immediate treatment for these problems can minimize the risk of scarring and help prevent an ectopic pregnancy.

Some factors that can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy include getting pregnant after the age of 35, having a previous ectopic pregnancy, or it there was surgery the fallopian tubes in the past.

How can a person prevent an etopic pregnancy?

Although there are no ways of preventing an etopic a person can be aware of future pregnancies and catch an etopic early. This can help increasing their chances of a normal pregnancy in the future. Remember identifying the signs of an ectopic pregnancy early can minimize any scarring incurred by the treatment. It will also save your life if caught early.

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