Snack 78: How to Prevent Ectopic Pregnancies

The Whole Pineapple

Ectopic pregnancies may be rare, but given how devastating and dangerous they can be, taking steps to prevent them is never a bad idea!

For those worried about ectopic pregnancies, remember they generally amount to only 1-2 percent of pregnancies. For those who have had an ectopic pregnancy, that number may go up to 10 percent, but it’s still unlikely.

That said, it’s understandable that those seeking to be pregnant want to ensure the safest, healthiest, and most viable pregnancy.

Guest Dr. Amy Criniti suggests taking a look via tubal imaging, called an HSG. This procedure can give the doctor an idea of the status of the fallopian tube. Listen to our previous episode on uterine/tubal evaluation for more details:

Snack 6: The Camera Goes Where? Assessing the Uterus and Tubes

Additionally, an ultrasound can tell you which side you’re going to ovulate on, so you can aim for trying to get pregnant when the egg is traveling on the side with a functioning, healthy fallopian tube.

Patients may also opt for IVF, which has a lower (but still not zero) chance of resulting in an ectopic pregnancy.

Quick quiz:

1. True or False: ovulation switches sides each month, so if it’s the left fallopian tube in January, it’ll be the right one in February.
2. True or False: smokers have a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy.
3. True or False: if you’ve had an ectopic pregnancy, there’s nothing doctors can do to decrease the risk next time.
4. True or False: a fallopian tube can be repaired and returned to full function after an ectopic pregnancy.
5. True or False: having your “tubes tied” for contraception is an easy surgery to reverse.

Listen up to hear the answers! If you’ve had an ectopic pregnancy and would like to share your story, we’d love to hear it. Please send us a message at [e-mail].

As always, please be sure to share this episode with anyone who can benefit, and please subscribe, rate, and review. You can find more information about our medical team at seattlefertility.com, and you can hear more episodes at thewholepineapple.com.