Abormal Pregnancy
There are three main types of abnormal pregnancies. These include
an early pregnancy failure, an ectopic pregnancy, and a molar pregnancy.
It is important to know the signs and symptoms of abnormal pregnancies, so
that you can seek our medical attention, if you believe you are at risk.
Early
Pregnancy Failure
This abnormal pregnancy occurs when there is a failure in the embryonic
growth. This can be detected through an ultrasound. The image would appear
as a large gestational sac, and this would signify that the growth of the
embryo had failed. There are usually no symptoms of this condition, except
some bleeding or cramps.
Ectopic Pregnancy
This condition occurs when the fertilized egg implants
outside of the uterus. Ninety-five percent of the time, the egg would settle
in the fallopian tubes; however, it is also possible for the egg to settle
in the ovary, abdomen, or the cervix. Unfortunately, none of these organs
have enough space or nurturing tissue for the pregnancy to develop. This
can be very dangerous, because if the embryo does happen to grow, it could
endanger surrounding organs of the mother.
If the ectopic pregnancy is discovered
early enough, an injection can stop the growth of the embryo. However,
if the abnormal pregnancy is not detected until later, one would need surgery
to remove it.
Warning Side Effects include:
-Sharp or stabbing pain
-Vaginal bleeding
-Vaginal spotting
-Dizziness
-Low blood pressure
-Low back pain
The most common signs of an ectopic pregnancy include sharp
or stabbing pain and/or vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms include vaginal
spotting, dizziness, low blood pressure, or low back pain.
Molar Pregnancy
Often, a molar pregnancy
will mimic a healthy pregnancy. This occurs when a genetic error takes
place during the fertilization process, which leads to the growth of abnormal
tissue within the uterus.
A compete molar pregnancy will result in only a placenta and no baby being
formed, while a partial molar pregnancy will result in several defects to
the embryo, and eventually the fetus will be overcome by the growing abnormal
mass. A very rare version of the partial mole will happen when twins are
conceived, with one developing normally and the other mole. In this case,
the healthy embryo will quickly be consumed by the abnormal growth.
This abnormal pregnancy is very rare, but also very frightening. Only 1
in every 1,000 women in the United States suffer from this condition, with
women over the age of 40 being at a higher risk. Women who have had
a previous molar pregnancy are also at a higher risk to have another one.
A molar pregnancy can be detected through a pelvic exam, or by a sonogram.
Warning side effects include:
-Vaginal bleeding
-Nausea
-High blood pressure levels
-Increased hCG levels
-No fetal movement or heart tone
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