Ectopic pregnancy is a situation in which a fertilized egg develops into an embryo and a foetus outside the uterus, instead of inside. This is, however, not a common occurrence and in fact, only about 2% of the pregnancies result in being ectopic in nature. Of all the ectopic pregnancies, about 98% are implanted in the fallopian tubes and hence is also called tubal pregnancy. The remaining portion of the implant takes place in the abdomen, ovaries, or cervix. Ectopic pregnancy is an emergency situation and must be treated in proper time, to avoid further complications. To diagnose this situation timely, you must know eleven major facts about ectopic pregnancy, which include the possible risk factors and symptoms. An ectopic pregnancy is generally detected between week 5 and week 14 of pregnancy.
11 Must Know Things About Ectopic Pregnancy
The core causes or risk factors that might lead to an ectopic pregnancy are:
History of ectopic pregnancy:
If you have already experienced an ectopic pregnancy, there is a chance that you might face a similar situation again. The risk of developing an abnormal of embryo outside your uterus increased by nearly 25% if you have faced an ectopic pregnancy earlier. Hence, it is recommended that you be careful about your situation and visit the doctor regularly when pregnant the next time.
Read more: Ultimate Guide for Ectopic Pregnancy
Surgery in any of the organs in the reproductive system:
If you have undergone surgeries in your reproductive area in the past, you are at a greater risk of facing this situation of ectopic pregnancy. The past operations that might increase your chances of ectopic pregnancy are ligation for sterilization, tubal ligation reversal, and open abdominal or pelvic surgeries.
Endometriosis:
This is a painful situation in which your abdominal tissue grows abnormally in your intestines, ovaries or fallopian tubes. This growth mingles with the growth of your sterilized egg and causes it to develop outside the uterus. Hence, if you feel that there is a pelvic discomfort or if you have experienced endometriosis in the past, visit the doctor as soon as you feel that you are carrying. The doctor might then recommend some safety regulations for you to follow.
Read more: 7 Common Treatments for Endometriosis
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID):
This is an inflammatory bacterial disease affecting the ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes. This (PID) mainly results from unattended STDs like Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. Contracting any of these infections can largely increase your chance of conceiving and the embryo developing into a situation that results in ectopic pregnancy. Even a mild indicator of pelvic inflammatory disease should be more than enough reason for you to visit the doctor and get the diagnosis done immediately.
Smoking:
Medical researchers often say that regular smoking may distort the normal functioning of the fallopian tubes. Due to this, there might arise a situation of ectopic pregnancy.
Apart from the causes, it is also vital to keep a tab on your symptoms for visiting the gynaecologist in time. The most common symptoms to consider are:
Cramps in one side of the abdomen
Acute pain in the bowel
Nausea
Read more: Inflammatory Bowel Disease During Pregnancy
A situation of physical shock due to excessive internal bleeding
The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy solely depends on the symptoms and risk factors. There is no particular way in which the pregnancy can be saved. Since, in this case, the embryo grows outside the uterus; it has to be removed by the gynaecologist. This is the only treatment for an ectopic pregnancy. Usually, this is diagnosed by the sonographer by testing your pelvis during the first prenatal visit. Thereafter, a blood test for hormonal levels and a 3D or 4D ultrasound scan will determine the situation and stage of your ectopic pregnancy. Depending on your condition, the gynaecologist will recommend a strong oral medication, intravenous injection, or surgery. In all the cases, there will be no harm or risk to your body, except for the fact that your ‘baby’ will not survive. This is, however, not to be treated as a situation of miscarriage too. It is medical removal an unnatural embryo with the potential of a possible foetus. The doctor will analyze your overall health, hormones, and pregnancy complications, after which surgery will be recommended if:
- You are in unnaturally severe pain
- Your internal bleeding is too much
- You are still breastfeeding
- You have numerous other health complications that prevent you from taking steroid-based medications
The best way detect an ectopic pregnancy is to visit the clinic as soon as you sense any one of the symptoms and ask the sonographer to test your abdominal area extensively, for unnatural growths. Hence, it is vital to keep the above eleven factors in mind and keep a tab on your reproductive health. Timely diagnosis will save you from increased recurrence.
Hope this article was of help for all our parents!! Please share your comments/queries/tips with us and help us create a world full of Happy and Healthy Babies!!
