| Ectopic Pregnancies - Worst Nightmare
Ectopic pregnancies are sometimes difficult to diagnose. An ectopic pregnancy is suspected if a woman has symptoms of a late menses, irregular vaginal bleeding, or abdominal pain. Shoulder pain and a feeling of rectal pressure is also associated with ectopic pregnancy. However, some women have no symptoms (other than those of pregnancy), making the diagnosis difficult at times.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
If a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, it's called an ectopic pregnancy. One in 50 pregnancies ends this way.
Here's how it happens: After conception, the fertilized egg travels down your fallopian tube on its way to your uterus. If the tube is damaged or blocked and fails to propel the egg toward your womb, the egg may become implanted in the tube and continue to develop there. Because almost all ectopic pregnancies occur in one of the fallopian tubes, they're often called "tubal" pregnancies.
Maternity leave for students?
Pregnant students in Denver have asked their high school for at least four weeks of maternity leave "so they can heal, bond with their newborns and not be penalized with unexcused absences," reports the Denver Post. (Here is the full story.) The paper explains that normally Colorado public schools use specialized programs or individual education plans to deal with pregnancy. "Two counselors from East High School approached the school board last month, saying the policy at their school is unfair and inconsiderate because it forces new moms to return to school the day after being discharged from the hospital or face being charged with unexcused absences," reports the Post. "East High School administrators could not be reached for comment over the winter break, but district officials say they are reviewing the policy on absences to make it 'friendlier' to new moms, said DPS spokesman Alex Sanchez," the article says.
Transvaginal ultrasound
This test can be used during pregnancy. (See also pregnancy ultrasound.) Alternative Names:
Endovaginal ultrasound How the test is performed:
You will be lying down on a table. The transducer is a long probe, covered with a condom and a sterile lubricant, that is inserted into the vagina. The health care provider will then move the probe within the vaginal cavity to scan the pelvic structures. How to prepare for the test:
The examination is done with your bladder empty. Sometimes, a transabdominal ultrasound is done just before a transvaginal ultrasound to look at organs in your abdomen. If so, you may be asked to drink several glasses of water without voiding before the transabdominal exam. Then, you will be asked to empty your bladder after the transabdominal test and before the transvaginal exam.
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