About Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself in a place other than inside the uterus. Almost all ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube, and are thus sometimes called tubal pregnancies. The fallopian tubes are not designed to hold a growing embryo; the fertilized egg in a tubal pregnancy cannot develop normally and must be treated. An ectopic pregnancy happens in 1 out of 60 pregnancies.

What causes an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancies are caused by one or more of the following:

• An infection or inflammation of the fallopian tube can cause it to become partially or entirely blocked.
• Scar tissue left behind from a previous infection or an operation on the tube may also impede the egg's movement.
• Previous surgery in the pelvic area or on the tubes can cause adhesions.
• An abnormality in the tube's shape can be caused by abnormal growths or a birth defect.

Who is at risk for having an ectopic pregnancy?

Women who are more at risk for having an ectopic pregnancy include the following:

• Are 35-44 years of age
• Have had a previous ectopic pregnancy
• Have had pelvic or abdominal surgery
• Have Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Have had several induced abortions
• Women who get pregnant after having a tubal ligation or while an IUD is in place

What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

Although you may experience typical signs and symptoms of pregnancy, the following symptoms may be used to help recognize a potential ectopic pregnancy:

• Sharp or stabbing pain that may come and go and vary in intensity. The pain may be in the pelvis, abdomen or even the shoulder and neck (due to blood from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy gathering up under the diaphragm).
• Vaginal bleeding, heavier or lighter than your normal period
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Weakness, dizziness, or fainting

It is important for you to seek emergency care if you are experiencing sharp pain or have bleeding.

How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed?

Ectopic pregnancies are diagnosed by your physician, who will probably first perform a pelvic exam to locate pain, tenderness or a mass in the abdomen. Your physician will also use an ultrasound to determine whether the uterus contains a developing fetus.

The measurement of hCG levels is also important. An hCG level that is lower than what would be expected is one reason to suspect an ectopic pregnancy. Low levels of progesterone may also indicate that a pregnancy is abnormal.

Your physician may do a culdocentesis, which is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the space at the very top of the vagina, behind the uterus and in front of the rectum. The presence of blood in this area may indicate bleeding from a ruptured fallopian tube.

How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?

An ectopic pregnancy may be treated in any of the following ways:

• Methotrexate may be given, which allows the body to absorb the pregnancy tissue and may save the fallopian tube, depending on how far the pregnancy has developed.
• If the tube has become stretched or it has ruptured and started bleeding, all or part of the fallopian tube may have to be removed. Bleeding needs to be stopped promptly, and emergency surgery is needed.
• Laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia may be performed. This procedure involves a surgeon using a laparoscope to remove the ectopic pregnancy and repair or remove the affected fallopian tube. If the ectopic pregnancy cannot be removed by a laparoscope procedure, then another surgical procedure called a laparotomy may be done.

What about my future?

Your hCG level will need to be rechecked on a regular basis until it reaches zero if you did not have your entire fallopian tube removed. An hCG level that remains high could indicate that the ectopic tissue was not entirely removed, which would require surgery or medical management with methotrexate.

The chances of having a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy may be lower than normal, but this will depend on why the pregnancy was ectopic and your medical history. If the fallopian tubes have been left in place, you have approximately a 60% chance of having a successful pregnancy in the future.

Source:
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/ectopicpregnancy.html

During early pregnancy, the main thing you will be concerned about is the next nine-months, interspersed with happiness and various symptoms that have to be dealt with. Apart from the usual nausea, heartburn, edema and backache, there are certain other complications that are likely to crop up. These can be minor and easily treated through medication or they can turn out to be risky for mother and baby. What are the pregnancy types to watch out for, during these months?

One condition to watch out for is an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic or tubal pregnancy is an abnormal condition that occurs when the fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus, probably in the fallopian tube. Suppose you have had a miscarriage earlier, you might need an ultrasound during early pregnancy to check for an ectopic pregnancy. As far as symptoms are concerned, they show during the sixth week of pregnancy. If spotted in time, you can be treated and save the pregnancy through medication or surgery.

Pregnancy is a totally natural state - but that does not mean it is easy! Another serious pregnancy problem is a lupus pregnancy, resulting in blood clotting problems and the risk of pre term delivery. Lupus has to do with your immune system as well and can affect vital organs. For most women with lupus, a successful pregnancy can happen. Understanding the problem can help find solutions. If you suffer from lupus, you will need to be in constant touch with a rheumatologist and obstetrician during the pregnancy. Preferably, do not risk pregnancy unless your disease has been in remission for at least six months since the medication you take can harm your fetus, resulting in damage and stillbirth.

Whether it is the first or second pregnancy, your body will probably behave differently through each pregnancy. You will naturally be quite excited though a bit worried about the new pregnancy with the unspoken fear of the possibility of something going wrong. More so - if you have experienced complications in your earlier pregnancy. The early pregnancy days can be full of discomfort, and your body undergoes major changes to adjust to the next 9 months. During a second pregnancy, you are more likely to be at ease since you've already been through the experience once. But you might want to know whether this will be different from the first and how. Usually second pregnancy symptoms show quicker than the first.

Twin pregnancies, on the other hand are considered risky. There is a possibility of complications for both you and the babies. But there are many women who just sail through twin pregnancies. Considering that since pregnancy involves a risk for every woman, an additional fetus just makes it riskier. Ensure that you keep all your doctor's appointments and take good care of your health, weight and diet.

The risks associated with teen pregnancy which is on the rise today are much more than with healthy adult women. Probably the main reason is that the teenage girl herself is not fully grown up yet, causing complications during the entire pregnancy unless precautions are taken. There is the likelihood of premature deliveries, and babies with low birth weight. Pregnant teenagers must enroll in prenatal care during early pregnancy stages.

No matter what the pregnancy type, it is wise to be aware of what to watch out for throughout your pregnancy - so that remedial action can be initiated.

Source:
http://www.pregnancy-period.com/pregnancy_types.html

Would you be surprised to learn that you're carrying twins? Here's what you need to know about taking care of yourself and your babies. Would you be shocked to learn that you're carrying twins or triplets? It happens to about three percent of pregnant women. And that number is growing.

What's causing the twin pregnancy trend?

Many women are delaying having children to well into their 30s and beyond when age-related hormonal changes may cause more than one egg to be released at a time. This increases the chances of conceiving nonidentical or fraternal twins.

Because of decreased fertility in older women they are more likely to use reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization to conceive. Since these procedures involve implanting more than one fertilized egg in the uterus, they're more likely to result in twins or other multiples.

How twins are made

Fraternal twins, the most common kind occur when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm. Each twin has his or her own placenta and amniotic sac. The twins can be two girls, two boys or a boy and a girl. Genetically, they're no more alike than any other siblings. Identical twins occur when a single fertilized egg splits and develops into two fetuses. Identical twins may share a placenta, but each baby usually has a separate amniotic sac. Genetically, the two babies are identical. They'll be the same sex and look exactly alike. Triplets and other higher order multiples can be identical, fraternal or a combination of both. But these births are rare.

Making the diagnosis

With modern medicine, multiple births are diagnosed long before delivery. The first clue is often a uterus that's larger than normal or more than one fetal heartbeat. Certain blood tests may suggest twins or other multiples as well. A suspected twin pregnancy is often confirmed with an ultrasound. During this exam, sound waves are used to create images of your uterus and baby or babies. Sometimes a seemingly normal twin pregnancy is later found to have only one baby. Such an episode can be heartbreaking, frustrating and confusing and experts aren't sure why it happens.

What twin pregnancy means for mom

Taking good care of yourself is the best way to take care of your babies. Here's what to expect.

• More side effects. Carrying multiples may intensify common pregnancy complaints, such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, insomnia and fatigue. Abdominal pain, shortness of breath and pressure on the pubic bone are common as well.
• More frequent checkups and ultrasound exams. You'll see your health care provider often to track your babies' growth and development, monitor your health and watch for signs of preterm labor. This may mean every-other-week visits during the second trimester and once-a-week visits during the third trimester.
• More emphasis on certain nutrients. You'll need more folic acid, calcium, iron, protein and other essential nutrients. If you're already eating healthfully, keep it up, and be sure to take a daily prenatal vitamin. Your health care provider may recommend an iron supplement as well.
• More weight gain. Gaining the right amount of weight can support your babies' health and make it easier to shed the extra pounds after delivery. For twins, the recommendation is often 35 to 45 pounds. This may take up to 2,700 calories a day. Work with your health care provider to determine what's right for you.
• More precautions. Your health care provider may ask you to limit some of your activities such as work, travel and exercise as your pregnancy progresses.

Consider complications

Healthy multiples are born every day. But it's important to be aware of possible complications. For example:

• Preterm labor. Most pregnancies last 38 to 42 weeks. For a twin pregnancy, 37 to 39 weeks is optimal. Preterm labor refers to contractions that begin to open the cervix before week 37. Sometimes preterm labor can be stopped with fluids, rest or medication.
• Preterm birth. If preterm labor can't be stopped, your babies may be born too early the most common problem for multiples. You may be given injections of a steroid medication to speed your babies' lung development. Even then, the smallest preemies may fight to survive. Complications may include low birth weight, breathing and digestive difficulties, underdeveloped organs, learning disabilities and developmental problems.
• High blood pressure. Mothers of multiples are more likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy. By reducing blood flow to the uterus, this condition known as preeclampsia may deprive the babies of oxygen and nutrients.
• Twin-twin transfusion. With identical twins, it's possible for a blood vessel in the placenta to connect the babies' circulatory systems causing one baby to receive too much blood and the other too little. Often, babies in this situation are delivered as soon as the benefits of early birth outweigh the potential problems of prematurity.
• Caesarean birth. About 50 percent of women carrying twins deliver their babies by C-section especially if the babies aren't in a head-down position. C-sections are considered safer for triplets and higher order multiples.
• Bleeding after delivery. The risk of excessive bleeding after delivery increases with a larger placenta or multiple placentas. Your health care provider will be prepared to help with medications or other interventions if needed.

Caring for multiples

Healthy multiples have the same needs as other newborns. You, however, may need more rest and support than you imagined. Take time to enjoy your babies and ask friends, loved ones and others for help.

Source:
http://www.incrediblebirths.com/twins.html