In: Nursing
what is an ectopic pregnancy? where does implantation of the fertilized egg usually occur? where does the remainder of ectopic pregnancies occur? what are the treatment options for ectopic pregnancies?
# An ectopic pregnancy most often occurs in a fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This type of ectopic pregnancy is called a tubal pregnancy. Sometimes, an ectopic pregnancy occurs in other areas of the body, such as the ovary, abdominal cavity or the lower part of the uterus (cervix),
In humans, implantation is the stage of pregnancy at which the embryo adheres to the wall of the uterus. At this stage of prenatal development, the conceptus is called a blastocyst. It is by this adhesion that the embryo receives oxygen and nutrients from the mother to be able to grow.
In humans, implantation of a fertilized ovum is most likely to occur around nine days after ovulation; however, this can range between six and 12 days.
# The egg takes several days to travel down the fallopian tube into the uterus. After it is in the uterus, a fertilized egg usually attaches to (implants in) the lining of the uterus (endometrium)
# Uncommon implantation sites of ectopic pregnancy include the cervix, interstitial segment of the fallopian tube, scar from a prior cesarean delivery, uterine myometrium, ovary, and peritoneal
# main treatment options are: expectant management – your condition is carefully monitored to see whether treatment is necessary. medication – a medicine called methotrexate is used to stop the pregnancy growing. surgery – surgery is used to remove the pregnancy, usually along with the affected fallopian tube