Ectopic Pregnancy

February 10, 2021Females180

Gestation begins with a fertilized egg. Normally, the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants and grow outside the main cavity of the uterus.
An ectopic pregnancy most oftenly occurs in a fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This type of ectopic pregnancy is also called a tubal pregnancy. Sometimes, An ectopic pregnancy occurs in other areas of the body, such as the ovary, abdominal cavity or the lowerpart of the uterus (Cervix), which connects to the vagina.

An ectopic pregnancy can’t proceed normally. The fertilised egg can’t survive and the growing tissue may cause life threatening bleeding, if left untreated.
Symptoms –

Nausea and breast soreness an common symptoms in both ectopic and uterine pregnancies. The following symptoms are more common in an ectopic pregnancy and can indicate a medical emergency –

1• Sharp waves of pain in the abdomen, pelvis, shoulder or neck

2• Severe pain that occurs on one side of the abdomen

3• Light to heavy vaginal spotting or bleeding

4• Dizziness or fainting

5• Rectal pressure

Causes & Risk factors-

A tubal pregnancy- the most common type of ectopic pregnancy – happens when a fertilized egg gets stuck on its way to the uterus, often because the fallopian tube is damaged by inflammation or due to some other reason. Hormonal imbalances or abnormal development of the fertilized egg also might play a role.

You are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy if you –

1• Have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

2• Are older than 35

3• Have a sexually transmitted infection

4• Have scarring from pelvic surgery

5• Smoke Cigrettes

6• Had a previous ectopic pregnancy

7• Use fertility drugs

8• Tried to have tubal ligation or tubal ligation reversal

9• Had fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)

10• It could also happen if you become pregnant while you have anintrauterine device (IUD) for birth control

Diagnosis-

• Pregnancy Test

• Ultrasonography

Complications –

An ectopic pregnancy can cause your fallopian tube to burst open. Without treatment, the ruptured tube can lead to life threatening bleeding.

Treatment-

Ectopic pregnancies are not safe for the mother. Also,the embryo won’t be able to develop to term. It is necessary to remove the embryo as soon as possible for the mother immediate health and long term fertility. Treatment options vary depending on the location of the ectopic pregnancy andits development.

Medication –

Your doctor may decide that immediate complications one unlikely. In this case, your doctor can prescribe several medications that could keep the ectopic mass from bursting. One common medication for this is methotrexate.

Methotrexate is a drug that stops the growth of rapidly dividing cells, such as the cells of the ectopic mass. If you take this medication, your doctor will give it to you as an injection. When effective, the medication will cause symptoms that are similar to that of a miscarriage. These include-

1• cramping

2• bleeding

3• the passing of tissue

Further surgery is rarely required after this happens. Methotrexate doesn’t carry the same risks of fallopian tube damage that come with surgery. You won’t be able to get pregnant for several months after taking this medication.

Surgery-

Many surgeons suggest removing the embryo and repairing any internal damage. This procedure is called a laprotomy.The surgeon removes the embryo and repairs any damage to the fallopian tube.

If the surgery is unsuccessful, the surgeon may repeat a laparotomy, this time through a larger incision. Your doctor may also need to remove the fallopian tube during surgery if it is damaged.