Understanding a Tubal Pregnancy
A tubal pregnancy is a rare form of a pregnancy where the egg implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. This type of pregnancy is also known as an ectopic pregnancy or a tubular pregnancy. Unfortunately, a tubal pregnancy isn’t viable and poses serious health risks to the mother.
The most common symptom of a tubal pregnancy is abdominal or pelvic pain on one side of the body. Additionally, this type of pregnancy can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding or heavy vaginal discharge.
Can a Tubal Pregnancy Show Positive?
The short answer is, yes. Any pregnancy test will detect the presence of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in the body, whether the pregnancy is viable or not.
Diagnosing a Tubal Pregnancy
If a pregnancy test shows positive for a tubal pregnancy, the next step is seeing a doctor for confirmation. Such confirmation requires additional testing, such as:
- Pelvic Exam: During a pelvic exam, the doctor checks the uterus and pelvis to look for any signs of an ectopic pregnancy.
- Blood Test: Blood tests measure the levels of hCG in the body to determine if a woman is pregnant and can help diagnose a tubal pregnancy.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound can show where the pregnancy is located. The doctor can use the ultrasound to see if the embryo is developing in the uterus or the fallopian tube.
Treatment for Tubal Pregnancy
If a tubal pregnancy is detected, the doctor must act quickly. This is because a tubal pregnancy can cause severe bleeding if the embryo ruptures the fallopian tube, which can be life-threatening for the mother.
Tubal pregnancies are typically treated with a combination of medications and surgery. The most common treatment for a tubal pregnancy is a medication called methotrexate, which stops the growth of the embryo. This can make it possible for the pregnancy to end naturally, without the need for a surgery.
Outlook for Tubal Pregnancies
If a tubal pregnancy is treated quickly and properly, the outlook for the mother is good. However, it’s important to note that a tubal pregnancy can cause damage to the fallopian tube, which can increase the risk of infertility in the future. As such, it’s important to maintain long-term follow-up with the treating doctor to monitor any potential problems.
Pregnancies that occur outside of the uterus can be dangerous, and it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. If you suspect that you have a tubal pregnancy, see a doctor as soon as possible. They can diagnose the issue and help you develop a plan for treatment.
Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.
