Posted by Saranya | Pregnancy, Pregnancy Period
WHAT IS AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY?
In a healthy menstrual cycle, one of your two ovaries releases an egg during Ovulation. The egg waits in the fallopian tube for the next 24 hours. Once the sperm meets the egg and fertilization takes place, the fertilized egg (zygote) starts moving to the uterus. The fertilised egg then attaches to the lining of the uterus, called implantation. This takes place 5 to 6 days after fertilization. An Ectopic Pregnancy is when implantation happens outside the uterus.
Table Of Contents
- What is an ectopic pregnancy?
- What causes an ectopic pregnancy?
- Who is at risk?
- What are the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
- How to diagnose an Ectopic Pregnancy?
- What are the available treatments?
- Can I get pregnant again?
- All is not lost
WHAT CAUSES AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs for reasons unknown. But a fallopian tube that is damaged or blocked is one well-known reason. The blocked tube may trap the fertilized egg on its way to the uterus. Hormonal abnormalities or improper development of the fertilized egg could also be a possible cause.
Ectopic pregnancy can happen anywhere in the body, including the ovary, abdominal cavity, or the mouth of the uterus (cervix), which links to the vagina. Ectopic pregnancy commonly occurs in the fallopian tube, known as tubal pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy will not thrive and cannot be continued. The fertilized egg will not be able to grow, and your fallopian tube may burst. The ruptured tube can be life-threatening if not treated.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Ectopic pregnancy may happen to all sexually active women. Any of the following can increase risk factors:
- A history of pelvic surgery, abdominal surgery, or numerous abortions
- If your age is 35 years or more
- Inflammation of the pelvis in the past (PID)
- If you conceived after tubal ligation or with an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Pregnancy by IVF
- Smoking
- Ectopic pregnancy history
- A history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea or chlamydia
- Have structural abnormalities in the fallopian tubes that make it difficult for the egg to travel
If any of the above applies to you, please consult with your doctor to reduce the chances of developing ectopic pregnancy.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY?
You may experience normal pregnancy symptoms like nausea and breast tenderness. Along with the above, you may experience symptoms that indicate an ectopic pregnancy. They are as follows:
- Light to heavy vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Upset stomach and vomiting
- Sharp pains in the abdomen
- Shoulder and neck pain
- An urge to have a bowel movement
- Extreme light-headedness
- Fainting
Your specific experience depends on where the blood collects and which nerves are affected. The fertilized egg can rupture the fallopian tube if it continues to develop in the tube. There’s a good chance you’ll have a lot of bleeding inside your abdomen. Get immediate help if you experience any of these symptoms.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY?
A series of tests can diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.
- A urine test and blood test to confirm your pregnancy. The blood test will determine your Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin(hCG) and progesterone levels. Your body produces these hormones during pregnancy. If the hormone levels drop or stay the same over a few days and the ultrasound doesn’t reveal a gestational sac, the pregnancy is most likely ectopic.
- A transvaginal ultrasound — Your doctor will insert a wand-like ultrasound probe into your vagina to check for a gestational sac in the uterus.
If you’re experiencing extreme symptoms like intense pain or bleeding, you will need to rush to your doctor to ensure that your fallopian tube does not burst.
WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE TREATMENTS?
Ectopic pregnancies are hazardous to your health. Furthermore, the embryo will not be able to develop to full term. The embryo must be removed soon for your immediate health and long-term fertility. Treatment methods differ based on where the embryo is located and how it develops.
- Medication: Your doctor will give you a medicine called methotrexate as an injection. This will stop the fertilized egg from growing. This approach is safe for your fallopian tube, but you must wait several months before trying again.
- Surgery: Most Surgeons will surgically remove the embryo and repair any internal damage. Surgery can either be a laparoscopy (key-hole surgery) or a laparotomy (abdominal incision) based on the stage of your pregnancy and your current health. Your doctor will insert a small camera through a small incision for the surgery. The fallopian tube may sometimes be removed if damaged.
CAN I GET PREGNANT AGAIN?
You need to give your body time to heal after an ectopic pregnancy. Your doctor will advise you to wait for a minimum of 2 menstrual cycles before you try again. 65% of women who have had an ectopic pregnancy will be able to get pregnant again, even if they have a fallopian tube removed. It may be more difficult to conceive if one of your fallopian tubes has been removed or scarred. You have a small chance of having another ectopic pregnancy. You can work with your doctor or a fertility specialist to reduce your chances in the future. Also, consult your doctor as early as possible after you become pregnant to rule out another ectopic pregnancy.
In case you have difficulty getting pregnant, consult your doctor.
ALL IS NOT LOST
An ectopic pregnancy is scary, and you will face all the physical and emotional turmoil of a miscarriage. It can be draining and disturbing. Talk to a professional if you feel the need for support.
There’s no way to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but practicing safe sex, preventing STIs, and quitting smoking can help you reduce the chances. Remember that many women go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.
This article is written by Sanjana Varma, a freelance Health Content Writer.