Everything About Heterotopic Pregnancy

The existence of two simultaneous pregnancies, although rare, happens more often than one imagines. In instances when both a viable intrauterine pregnancy and non-viable ectopic pregnancy occur simultaneously in separate implantation sites; complications occur. A pregnancy that occurs inside and outside the uterus is most common in couples that use IVF and other assisted reproductive procedures. If you want to have IVF procedure, visit IVF clinics in Sydney.

Other terms used to describe heterotopic pregnancy are combined ectopic pregnancy, multiple-sited pregnancy, and coincident pregnancy. Such pregnancies are especially difficult for parents as the only solution is the termination of one pregnancy in order to save the other.

There can often be no symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy, and it can often even go unnoticed in routine ultrasounds as most technicians would only pay attention to the developing fetus and not think to look any further. It is generally in the fifth week of pregnancy that ultrasound can pick up a case for heterotopic pregnancy and its only treatment is the removal of the outside fetus as it cannot survive without a uterus and can pose a great threat to the mother. A fetus growing outside the uterus can cause tissue rupture and internal bleeding along with many other complications and must be removed for the safety of the other child and the mother.

Heterotopic pregnancy can increase the chances of a miscarriage and should be diagnosed and treated as soon as complications arise. Even though it is a painful thought to give up a baby for any parent in such cases, there is no other choice. Treatment involves surgery to remove the growing fetus and affected fallopian tube if necessary. It is important for parents to stay strong during such times and take hope in the fact that the intrauterine fetus can often be saved which is a blessing in itself.

Be sure to consult with your gynecologist if you experience instances of abnormal vaginal bleeding, cramping pain, fainting, and vomiting. Although these symptoms are normal even in a normal pregnancy, it is important to get checked as an early diagnosis improves the chances of avoiding further complications.