World Childless Week, held annually from September 15th to 21st, raises awareness for the childless not by choice (CNBC) community. It encourages individuals to share their experiences, providing a supportive environment for those experiencing child loss, infertility, or unable to conceive.
This includes those who have never been pregnant, experienced ectopic pregnancy, or experienced stillbirth. Compensation may be available for those affected by negligence.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are the tubes connecting the ovaries to the womb. If an egg gets stuck in them, it will not develop into a baby and your health may be at risk if the pregnancy were to continue.
In the UK, around 1 in every 90 pregnancies is ectopic. This is around 11,000 pregnancies per year.
What are the causes of ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is often caused by a damaged fallopian tube. A fertilised egg would have trouble passing through a damaged fallopian tube, resulting in the egg implanting, and growing within the tube. In rarer cases, an egg can implant in an ovary, the cervix or in the belly.
Things more likely to cause an ectopic pregnancy are:
- Previous ectopic pregnancy.
- Inflammation or infection: Sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, can cause inflammation of the tubes and other nearby organs, increasing your risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Fertility treatments: Research suggests that women who undergo IVF or similar treatments are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy.
- Tubal surgery: Surgery to correct a closed or damaged fallopian tube can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Smoking: Smoking prior to getting pregnant can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. The more you smoke, the greater the risk.
What are the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?
Such symptoms of ectopic pregnancy may include:
- A missed period or other signs of pregnancy.
- Tummy pain low down or on one side.
- Vaginal bleeding or a brown watery discharge.
- Discomfort when urinating or passing stools.
- Pain in the tip of your shoulder.
Often, these symptoms are not necessarily a sign of a fundamental problem and could be caused by other problems. However, if you have a combination of the above symptoms and you might be pregnant, this should be looked into further.
How is it diagnosed?
It can be difficult to diagnose ectopic pregnancy based on symptoms alone, as the symptoms can be remarkably similar to other conditions.
A urine test can show if you are pregnant. To find out if you have an ectopic pregnancy your doctor will likely do:
- A pelvic examination to check the size of your uterus and feel for growths or tenderness in your stomach.
- Blood tests to check the level of the pregnancy hormone (hCG) which is repeated after 2 days. During pregnancy, the level of this hormone doubles every 2 days. A low level can be suggestive of ectopic pregnancy.
- A transvaginal ultrasound scan allows your doctor to see the exact location of your pregnancy.
How is it treated?
Medication: An early ectopic pregnancy without unstable bleeding is usually treated with methotrexate medication by injection which stops cell growth and dissolves existing cells.
Laparoscopic procedures: Salpingostomy and salpingectomy are two surgeries used to treat some ectopic pregnancies. In a salpingostomy, the ectopic pregnancy is removed, and the tube is left to heal on its own. In a salpingectomy, the pregnancy and the tube are both removed.
Emergency Surgery: If the ectopic pregnancy is causing heavy bleeding, you may need emergency surgery. This can be done laparoscopically or through an abdominal incision. In some cases, the fallopian tube can be saved. Typically, a ruptured tube should be removed.
Frequently asked questions:
How do I make a claim?
If you feel that your diagnosis has been delayed or that your treatment has been inappropriate, then you may be entitled to bring about a claim.
The team at Oakwood Solicitors Ltd will be able to give you free advice on the prospects of your case and whether you would be eligible to make a claim.
Who can bring about a claim?
The victim of the negligence can bring about a claim in their own right however it is often sadly the case that the victim is either unable to bring about a claim or has sadly passed. In such circumstances, a claim can be brought about on their behalf, either by an appropriate person or litigation friend if the victim is still with us, or by the executor of the estate of the surviving dependant(s) if the victim has passed.
Our specialist team will be able to discuss whether you have a right to bring about a claim, so if you or a loved one has been affected do not hesitate to contact us.
How long do I have to claim?
Claims of this nature are subject to a three year limitation period. This means that claims have to be commenced within the Courts in three years of the date the negligent act occurred or the date you became aware that negligence had occurred.
In cases involving deceased victims this limitation period commences from the date of death and in cases involving minors, the limitation period starts when they reach their 18th Birthday.
The law surrounding limitation periods is complex. Our specialist team will be able to advise further.
How long is my claim worth?
It is often difficult to value clinical negligence claims at their outset given the complexities involved however we will pursue two forms of compensation for you:
General damages – An award of money for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the negligence.
Special damages – An award for all of your out-of-pocket expenses such as travel expenses, medication costs, loss of earnings, treatment costs both past and future. This list is not exhaustive and is very case-specific.
Further information:
World Childless Week.
Ectopic Pregnancy Claims.
WHAT TO DO NEXT?
If you believe or feel you have a ectopic pregnancy claim, get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page or call us on 0113 323 2711 to find out how we can help you.
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Carol Cook joined Oakwood Solicitors in May 2017 to lead the Medical Negligence Department.
Carol handles a wide range of clinical, cosmetic and dental negligence claims and has years of experi…
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