In the time that has passed since Alexis was taken from our lives I have devoured all information I could find on ectopic pregnancies. Much to my surprise that information was few and far between. Because of this I've decided to add some basic medical information to Lexie's site, as well as (in my mind) some of the most comprehensive links to be found on the internet. I think there is still not enough knowledge on this subject. I believe in my heart that one day they will find a way to save these children that choose a bad place to begin life. But until then, I have to enpower myself with what is out there and this is what I have found. Warning, I am not medically trained at all and I am speaking simply from what I have learned and experienced. If you suspect you have an ectopic pregnancy please seek medical attention immediately as it is a life threatening condition. I also apologize for the heartless way in which I present the information. I think of my daughter in two ways. One is as the child I love and remains a part of my family. The other is as a medical condition. This section of my site deals with the latter aspect.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?
By definition, an ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy in which the fertilized ovum implants on any tissue other than the endometrial lining of the uterus. The mass majority of these are in the fallopian tube and a small percentage are in the abdomen, overies, or cervix. Ectopic pregnancies can kill the mother if left untreated, about 50 women die each year.

Who is at risk for an ectopic pregnancy?
Any woman in her childbearing years is at risk for an ectopic pregnancy. However there are some factors that will increase the likelyhood of it.
Past history of pelvic inflammatory disease
Progestin contraceptives
Progesterone-bearing IUD's
Pregnancy after tubal ligation
Previous tubal pregnancy
As stated before, any woman who can get pregnant can have an ectopic pregnancy. I am one of the many who had none of the above as an issue, it was just one of those unique happenings that I had an ectopic.

How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed?
Sometimes, as in my case, the diagnoses of a pregnancy has to be made before that of an ectopic can be. However if it is already established that you are pregnant there are several warning signs that you and your doctor should both be aware of.
HCG levels
Progesterone levels
Ultrasound (usually a vaginal one is needed)

Treatment of an ectopic pregnancy
This is the hardest section to write, and may be the hardest section for you to read. Much as I try to separate the "ectopic pregnancy" from my daughter it is all still too close to home. However, as they say, better the devil you know.
Laparoscopy--this is done to confirm an ectopic pregnancy diagnoses. If the tube is not yet ruptured often they can make this the only surgery.
Laparotomy--This is the procedure of choice when the tube has already ruptured and/or when there is significant hemorrhage into the abdomen.
In my own experience, I ended up with both procedures. As they were doing the laparoscopy I suffered a rupture so they had to proceed to a laparotomy as well.
Methotrexate--A relatively new treatment (about 15 years old) that is less invasive. This can only be done if the tube shows no signs of rupture. It is a drug that is given that inhibits rapidly growing cells, such as a pregnancy.

Followup to an ectopic pregnancy
If the doctor has been able to save the tube a danger still remains. Some of the tissue may remain and continue growing, leading to a near future rupture. To prevent that hCG levels will be monitered, probably on a weekly basis, until they read negative.

What are my chances for a future viable pregnancy?
This all depends on the extent of the damage suffered during the ectopic and treatment thereof. If you have an unruptured ectopic pregnancy that is caught early on your odds of conception seem to be quite good. However if a tube is severly damaged, blocked, or removed the odds decrease. The more ectopics you suffer the less likely a viable pregnancy becomes. However in vitro fertilization has shown very promising results for women with reoccuring ectopics. On a personal note, I am proof positive that a viable pregnancy can follow an ectopic pregnancy. On June 15th 2001 I gave birth to a very healthy baby boy.