Ectopic pregnancies are ones that develop outside of the uterus. This is a life-threatening issue for the mother and there is no way for the fetus to survive. This incidence occurs about one time in every 40-100 pregnancies and occurs most commonly in the fallopian tubes. In rare cases, ectopic pregnancy can occur in the abdomen, cervix, or ovary.
When you have a birth injury that results from an ectopic pregnancy, you need to know everything that you can about this condition before you file a lawsuit. Get the facts about ectopic pregnancies so you’re informed and prepared.
Causes of Ectopic Pregnancies and Risk Factors
Ectopic pregnancy occurs for many reasons; however, certain risk factors exist that make it much more likely. Some of the risk factors associated with ectopic pregnancy include:
- being over the age 35;
- having many sexual partners;
- having in vitro fertilization procedures;
- birth defects in the tubes;
- endometriosis;
- previous ectopic pregnancy; and
- scarring in the tubes.
Many causes of ectopic pregnancy could affect your health and wellbeing. These are the three main causes of ectopic pregnancies:
- fallopian tube damage;
- tubal ligation; and
- use of an IUD.
In the latter two cases, pregnancy is very rare, but when it does happen, it is usually ectopic. In the case of fallopian tube damage, many factors could affect the situation. Some causes of damage to the fallopian tubes that lead to ectopic pregnancies are:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID);
- smoking;
- previous ectopic pregnancy;
- fallopian tube surgical procedures;
- birth defects in fallopian tubes; and
- endometriosis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy
The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include:
- pain in the abdominal area;
- missed periods;
- abnormal bleeding; and
- lower back pain.
If you have any of these symptoms, check with your doctor. He will be able to administer tests to check for this condition. The tests to check for ectopic pregnancy include:
- pelvic exam;
- vaginal ultrasound; and
- pregnancy test.
If your pregnancy test comes back positive, the doctor will check your HCG levels. HCG is a hormone that the body produces during pregnancy. A significant rise in these levels over a couple of days will usually indicate an ectopic pregnancy versus a normal pregnancy.
Treatment for Ectopic Pregnancy
Treatment options for ectopic pregnancies aren’t vast. The only choice that women have is to terminate the pregnancy. The cells have to be removed from the body in order to protect your life. If the condition is caught early enough, there are shots that can be given to eliminate the pregnancy. If it has been more than a few weeks, surgery might be required to remove the cells. In the event that there is a rupture, emergency medical attention is necessary, including possible treatment for shock and blood loss.
Ectopic Pregnancy Complications Can Lead to Birth Injuries
Ectopic pregnancies occur at a rate of one per 40-100 pregnancies. Many of these cases turn into either a birth injury or medical malpractice due to how the doctor treats the condition. If it is not treated correctly, there can be complications from this type of pregnancy that can lead to birth injuries and serious health issues, including:
- rupture of the fallopian tube, leading to hemorrhage, infection, and permanent injury in some cases; and
- fertility issues.
Has Your Family Been Impacted By A Birth Injury?
If your family has been impacted by a birth injury you need to speak with an experienced birth injury attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.