If you are planning to conceive a child or have been reading a lot about it, you might have come across the term ‘ectopic pregnancy’.
Ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants anywhere other than the uterus in the body. As the pregnancy progresses, the main risk in these situations is that of the narrow fallopian tube rupturing. The birth parent may bleed as a result of this problem. It is a potentially fatal condition that needs immediate medical attention.
We spoke to our expert, Dr Payal Chaudhary, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rosewalk Hospitals, New Delhi, who explained ectopic pregnancy, its symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment measures.
Symptoms Of Ectopic Pregnancy
It is important to learn the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy to diagnose this problem as soon as possible. Its presence may go unnoticed until it ruptures and causes severe internal bleeding.
- Sudden and severe pain in the abdomen
- Fainting or dizziness
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Low back pain or mild pain in the abdomen or pelvis
- Low blood pressure
- Pain in your shoulder, neck, or rectum
If you experience sudden and severe lower abdomen pain, it could be due to a tube rupture You should immediately visit a gynaecologist for a medical emergency.
Also Read: Do's And Don'ts While Working During Pregnancy
Causes Of Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is generally brought on by disorders that hinder or inhibit the migration of the egg via your fallopian tube. Some reasons that lead to this condition are as follows:
- You have adhesions, inflammation, or scar tissue from a previous pelvic operation.
- Your fallopian tube was misaligned from birth.
- Your fallopian tubes have been damaged, perhaps as a result of a sexually transmitted disease (STI).
- Your fallopian tube is blocked by a growth.
Risks Factors For Ectopic Pregnancy
The main risk factor for an ectopic pregnancy is damage to the inner lining of the fallopian tubes. This makes it difficult for fertilised eggs to go through them properly and results in pregnancy implantation in the tube itself. These risk factors include endometriosis, past pelvic surgery, prior fallopian tube surgery, pelvic inflammatory disease, and a prior ectopic pregnancy. Apart from this smoking, a history of infertility, and the use of assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF, can also cater to this cause.
Also Read: Path To A Healthy Conception: What You Need To Know To Get Pregnant
Treatment For Ectopic Pregnancy
Treatment is always necessary for ectopic pregnancies because they cannot be moved or relocated to the uterus. Depending on the stage at which it is discovered, there are two treatment options for ectopic pregnancies: medication until it has not burst and surgery for ruptured or large unruptured ectopic pregnancies.
Methotrexate injections are sometimes used to treat an early ectopic pregnancy because they inhibit the embryo's growth. The woman's body often absorbs the tissue after that.
Laparoscopic or open surgery can be used to perform a surgery, depending on the patient's health, the surgeon's expertise, and other circumstances. To remove the ectopic pregnancy, your doctor will make very tiny slits in your lower belly and insert a small, flexible tube known as a laparoscope.
You should note that a follow-up period of several weeks is necessary for each therapy.
Takeaway
You should keep in mind that once an ectopic pregnancy occurs, there are higher chances of its occurrence later as well. So, anytime a pregnancy develops in the future, a woman with a history of ectopic pregnancy must seek quick consultation with her obstetrician and gynaecologist. She may also be required to obtain an early ultrasound along with specific blood tests.
