Abnormal pregnancies include pregnancy failure, ectopic and molar pregnancy. Miscarriage can be caused by fetal abnormalities, trauma, medication, or heavy activity. Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo attaches outside the uterus and is always fatal to the fetus. Molar pregnancy occurs when tissue develops abnormally and can grow large enough to fill the uterus. Placental abruption can cause fetal death.
Pregnancy is a natural process, but sometimes things can go wrong. Some different types of abnormal pregnancy include pregnancy failure, ectopic and molar pregnancy. Problems with the placenta can also occur, which can be fatal to the fetus.
An estimated 10-20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage or pregnancy failure. Fetal abnormalities are the most common causes of miscarriage, but there are other contributing factors. Trauma to the pregnant woman and some medications can cause the pregnancy to fail. Heavy activity can also lead to miscarriage.
In a normal pregnancy, the embryo attaches itself to the endometrial lining of the uterus. One type of abnormal pregnancy occurs when the embryo attaches itself outside the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes, but they can also occur in other sites such as the abdomen, cervix or ovary. This type of abnormal pregnancy is always fatal to the fetus because the uterus is the only place that provides the proper conditions for a developing embryo.
An ectopic pregnancy can cause bleeding and pelvic pain. Surgery to remove the fetus is the usual treatment. Sometimes, there are no symptoms unless a rupture occurs. Bleeding accompanied by severe pain are the usual symptoms of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. A rupture can cause maternal death, but is rare if treatment is provided before a rupture occurs.
A molar pregnancy occurs when tissue that would normally become a fetus develops abnormally and becomes a mole. This can be caused by the fertilization of an undeveloped egg by a sperm. The resulting tissue cannot develop normally and can grow large enough to fill the uterus.
Another type of molar pregnancy occurs when two sperm fertilize one egg. In this type of abnormal pregnancy, the placenta develops into a mole. Any fetal tissue that may develop will have serious defects. A woman with a molar pregnancy may experience signs of a normal pregnancy as well as unusual symptoms, such as a strange, uncomfortable sensation in the pelvis and vaginal discharge that resembles grapes. Treatment for a molar pregnancy is to remove the abnormal tissue.
Placental abruption is a condition that occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterus before the baby is born. The placenta is the organ that provides nourishment to the fetus. In its most serious and rare form, placental abruption can cause fetal death.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
