The chances of a pregnancy occurring are during the times when a woman is ovulating and engages in sexual intercourse. Specifically, ovulating is the release of an egg from the woman’s ovary. This egg then travels down the woman’s fallopian tube towards the uterus.

If the egg is not fertilized by the male sperm, the unfertilized egg is released from the uterus through the vagina. This process is known as menstruation. However, if the egg is fertilized by the male sperm, then the fertilized egg attaches itself to the interior portion of the uterus. This process can be part of a normal pregnancy.

Unfortunately, there are situations where a pregnancy occurs, but not in a normal manner. Sometimes, a fertilized egg can attach itself to other portions of the woman’s body. This pregnancy is known as an ectopic pregnancy and can include the fertilized egg attaching itself to a woman’s abdomen or fallopian tube. Ectopic literally means out of place.

The most common type of ectopic pregnancy is the attachment of the egg to the inside of the fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy is commonly called a tubal pregnancy.

What Is A Tubal Pregnancy

A tubal pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg attaches itself to the interior wall of one of the fallopian tubes. This most common type of an ectopic pregnancy is obviously not normal. In addition, if the fetus is allowed to develop, outside of the uterus, the pregnant woman’s health will be at risk. Sadly, a tubal pregnancy seldom results in the birth of a baby.

Causes

There are no known reasons for a woman to experience a tubal pregnancy. However, there are certain factors, if experienced, raise the risk of the woman experiencing a tubal pregnancy.

One of those factors is if the woman has experienced an inflammation of the fallopian tubes. This inflammation is known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and is a sexually transmitted disease. In addition, if a woman has previously experienced a tubal pregnancy, the risk of her incurring another tubal pregnancy increases.

Other medical procedures that may precipitate a tubal pregnancy include any previously conducted abdominal surgeries. These surgeries can include a cesarean section, removal of fibroids, appendectomy or any previous surgery performed on the fallopian tubes.
Emotions

When a woman experiences the termination of her pregnancy, due to a tubal pregnancy, there are health concerns expressed by medical personnel regarding her physical well-being. In addition, however, the possible damage experienced by a woman emotionally needs to be addressed as well.

Therefore, when a woman experiences a tubal pregnancy it is important that a woman be given a forum to express her loss. This process can be accomplished in a support group setting or amongst family and friends. It is also an important part of the entire healing process to be able to candidly express her sorrow over her loss. 

Tags: tubal pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy