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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffLosing a pregnancy is devastating, even if you've only known about it for a few days. Recognize the loss, and give yourself time to grieve. Talk about your feelings and allow yourself to experience them fully. Rely on your partner, loved ones and friends for support. You might also seek the help of a support group, grief counselor or other mental health provider.
Most women who have ectopic pregnancies go on to have other, healthy pregnancies. If one fallopian tube was injured or removed, an egg might be fertilized in the other tube before entering the uterus. If both fallopian tubes were injured or removed, in vitro fertilization might be an option. With this procedure, mature eggs are fertilized in a lab and then implanted into the uterus.
If you choose to conceive again, seek your doctor's advice. Early blood tests and ultrasound imaging can offer prompt detection of another ectopic pregnancy — or reassurance that the pregnancy is developing normally.
- Tulandi T. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of ectopic pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Tulandi T. Incidence, risk factors, and pathology of ectopic pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Tulandi T. Surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy and prognosis for subsequent fertility. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Tulandi T. Methotrexate treatment of tubal and interstitial ectopic pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Tulandi T. Expectant management of ectopic pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Verma U, et al. Conservative management of nontubal ectopic pregnancies. Fertility and Sterility. 2011;96:1391.
- Lobo RA. Ectopic pregnancy: Etiology, pathology, diagnosis, management, fertility prognosis. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1524/0.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Block SD. Grief and bereavement. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 15, 2011.
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