We talk to many surrogates that are concerned that a previous ectopic pregnancy can disqualify them from becoming a surrogate. So we decided to feature ectopic pregnancies on our blog series, “Can I Be a Surrogate If…” In this blog, we will discuss ectopic pregnancies and how they might affect potential surrogates.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
But in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg implants before reaching the main cavity of the uterus, usually attaching in the fallopian tubes.The fallopian tubes are meant to carry a woman’s eggs from her ovaries to the uterus. When a fertilized egg attaches to the fallopian tubes, this is known as a tubal pregnancy. At times, a fertilized egg can implant in other parts of the body, like the cervix, an ovary, or the abdominal cavity. In all of these cases, a pregnancy cannot continue as normal due to great harm that can come to the woman’s body and the fertilized egg, which cannot grow properly outside the uterus.
The Causes
The causes behind an ectopic pregnancy can vary depending on each situation. Let’s talk about these situations and discuss the causes behind them.
Of all ectopic pregnancies, a tubal pregnancy – as explained above – is the most common. A tubal pregnancy can happen due to damaged fallopian tubes, inflammation of the fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalances, or improper formation of a developing fertilized egg.
Frequent smoking and sexually transmitted diseases are frequent key players in causing ectopic pregnancies, due to the inflammation it can cause in your body. At Love & Kindness, a surrogate must have stopped smoking for the last two years before becoming a surrogate. We also test all Surrogates and their partners for sexually transmitted diseases. Risk of ectopic pregnancy is one of the many reasons we run these tests and will not medically clear a surrogate that actively smokes.
Future Ectopic Pregnancies
Many studies have been done to find the risk of a second ectopic pregnancy after the first. The CDC states that of women with a previous history of ectopic pregnancy, the number is about 10 percent for the likelihood of a second ectopic pregnancy.
Although this sounds like a huge risk for Intended Parents, this percentage does not take into account the underlying issues behind why a woman has an ectopic pregnancy. In some cases, a doctor can perform a laparoscopy to examine a patient’s womb and fallopian tubes in order to diagnose the cause of the ectopic pregnancy. This procedure and the information that is found can greatly assist with more positive outcomes in the future.
What does this mean for you?
At Love & Kindness, we believe in giving a woman who is willing to be a surrogate, the opportunity to do so. Before contacting us, talk to your doctor, who will know your individual case. If your doctor feels that your situation is right for becoming a surrogate, we would love to hear from you. We will discuss your pregnancy history and overall health, before having you medically cleared by a doctor. With our on-staff doctor’s approval, you can move forward to the next step of your surrogacy journey.