1. Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow Pictures
2. Early Pregnancy Symptoms
3. Conception (Egg to Embryo) Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Stephen Metz, MD

Coauthor:

Jeff Disney, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Ectopic pregnancy is not generally preventable. However, it is possible to decrease some of the risk factors for developing an ectopic pregnancy:

• If you are diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease, take the prescribed antibiotic as directed until it is completely resolved, then follow-up with your doctor to be certain you are cured.
• Avoid gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted diseases
• If you plan to get pregnant soon and you are using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception, discuss this with your health care professional.
• Surgery of the reproductive system, bowels, or lower abdomen can lead to scarring, which increases your risk of ectopic pregnancy.

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