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Ectopic pregnancies may be life-threatening, particularly if the fallopian tube ruptures. This is a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which may result in serious bleeding, infection, and even death. This is a medical emergency. Healthcare practitioners must respond immediately to ectopic pregnancies.
Where Does Ectopic Pregnancy Occur?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg is implanted outside of the uterus. The egg is intended to go down your fallopian tubes and implant itself into the uterine wall, where it will develop. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the egg implants in one of the structures along the route. This is more likely to occur within your fallopian tubes. The bulk of ectopic pregnancies occur here – around 90%.How Common Are Ectopic Pregnancies?
As per reports, Ectopic pregnancies occur in around 2% of all pregnancies.Symptoms & Causes
What Signs Indicate An Ectopic Pregnancy?
Early symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may mirror those of a normal pregnancy. You may encounter other symptoms during an ectopic pregnancy, including:- Vaginal bleeding
- Lower back, pelvic, and lower abdomen pain
- Feeling dizzy or weak
- Fainting
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Shoulder ache
- Rectal pressure or bowel issues
What Causes Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy is most often caused by disorders that hamper or obstruct the migration of the egg down your fallopian tubes. This may happen because:- You have scar tissue, adhesions, or irritation from previous pelvic surgeries
- Your fallopian tubes have been damaged, maybe due to a sexually transmitted illness
- You were born with an abnormally formed fallopian tube
- You have a tumour obstructing your fallopian tube
How Can I Know If I'm At Risk For An Ectopic Pregnancy?
There are various risk factors that may enhance your chances of having an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy may be more likely to occur if you've had:- A prior ectopic pregnancy
- A history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection that may result in scar tissue formation in the fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries, and cervix.
- Surgery on your fallopian tubes (including tubal ligation) or on any other pelvic organs.
- A history of infertility
- IVF to treat infertility
- Endometriosis
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- There was an IUD in place at the time of conception
- A history of tobacco use
What Are The Possible Consequences Of An Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. Your uterus is the only organ that can support a developing foetus. It may stretch and enlarge as the foetus develops. Your fallopian tubes are not as flexible. They may explode when the fertilised egg develops. If this occurs, it may result in serious, life-threatening internal bleeding. This is risky. An ectopic pregnancy must be treated immediately to prevent damage to your fallopian tube and other organs, internal bleeding, and potentially death.How Is An Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?
Most individuals are unaware that their pregnancy is ectopic until they see their pregnancy care provider for a prenatal checkup, bloodwork, or ultrasound. Your physician may suspect an ectopic pregnancy based on what occurs at this session.Your doctor will conduct many tests to determine whether you have an ectopic pregnancy. This may involve a pelvic examination and confirmation of pregnancy. These tests include:- A urine test entails urinating on a test strip or into a cup in your provider's office, after which a test strip is dipped into the urine sample.
- Your physician may test your blood to determine the amount of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in your body. Your body only produces HCG during pregnancy. A low level may suggest an ectopic pregnancy since HCG levels rise quickly when a fertilised egg implants in your uterus.
- An ultrasound employs sound waves to provide an image of your body's interior components. Your physician will use this test to determine where the fertilised egg has implanted.
- If your physician feels that the ectopic pregnancy has burst, they may conduct culdocentesis, a procedure that checks for abnormal fluid in the space just behind the vagina, however, this is rarely utilised.
How Soon Will You Know If You Have An Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancies are usually identified early in pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies are often diagnosed in the first trimester (up to 12 weeks). However, most patients realise they have an ectopic pregnancy during the eighth week of pregnancy.How Are Ectopic Pregnancies Treated?
Healthcare practitioners use medication or surgery to manage ectopic pregnancies.Methotrexate
In rare situations, your doctor may recommend taking methotrexate to prevent the fertilised egg from developing and thereby terminate the pregnancy. The medication should not harm your fallopian tubes. You cannot use this drug if your fallopian tube has already burst.Methotrexate is administered to you as a single injection by your healthcare professional. This approach is less intrusive than surgery, but it does need follow-up sessions so that your clinician can check your HCG levels. It is critical to have regular follow-ups in these circumstances.Surgery For An Ectopic Pregnancy
If your fallopian tube has burst or is about to rupture, your physician will recommend surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy. This is an emergency operation with a life-saving outcome.When To See A Doctor?
Seek immediate medical care if you have any indicators of an ectopic pregnancy, such as:- Severe abdominal or pelvic discomfort along with vaginal bleeding
- Extreme lightheadedness or fainting
- Shoulder ache
Can You Avoid An Ectopic Pregnancy?
You cannot avoid an ectopic pregnancy. However, you may minimise your risk by adopting healthy living practices. These may include quitting smoking, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding any sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). Talk to your doctor about any possible risk factors before trying to conceive.How Long Should You Wait To Become Pregnant Again After An Ectopic Pregnancy?
After having been treated for an ectopic pregnancy, you should discuss future pregnancies with your doctor. Although pregnancy may occur rapidly after treatment, it is usually advisable to wait roughly three months. This allows your fallopian tube to recover and reduces the danger of another ectopic pregnancy.Can You Still Have A Child If Your Fallopian Tube Has Been Removed?
In most circumstances, having one of your fallopian tubes removed does not prevent you from having a child. Most individuals are born with both fallopian tubes. Only one fallopian tube is required for a pregnancy. Eggs may still pass via your remaining fallopian tube. There are additional assisted reproductive methods, such as IVF, that do not involve the fallopian tubes. Discuss your ideas about future pregnancies with your healthcare professional. You may create a strategy and discuss how to reduce any risk factors you may have.Can You Continue Your Pregnancy After An Ectopic Pregnancy?
Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy is lethal to the foetus, thus your pregnancy cannot continue. Once an egg has implanted outside of your uterus, it cannot be moved there. Prompt treatment for an ectopic pregnancy is essential. If the egg implants in your fallopian tube and breaks, you may have serious internal bleeding.An ectopic pregnancy might be unexpected and frightening. You're undoubtedly experiencing a variety of emotions, including sadness, shock, and worry. Even if your pregnancy was unexpected, experiencing an ectopic pregnancy may be traumatic. You'll recover from an ectopic pregnancy. If you want to have another pregnancy, speak with your doctor about your risk of another ectopic pregnancy.FAQs on What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
- How dangerous is an ectopic pregnancy?Ectopic pregnancies may be life-threatening, particularly if the fallopian tube ruptures. This is a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which may result in serious bleeding, infection, and even death. This is a medical emergency. Healthcare practitioners must respond immediately to ectopic pregnancies.
- Can I get pregnant after an ectopic pregnancy?According to studies, regardless of how an ectopic pregnancy is treated, the percentages of conception are comparable, and up to 80% of women will give birth to a healthy baby. However, the chance of a subsequent ectopic pregnancy remains elevated.