An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. Early in pregnancy, at the first prenatal appointment, the doctor will typically perform a vaginal ultrasound to confirm two things:
1) the gestational age of the pregnancy, and
2) that the embryo is implanted in your uterus and not somewhere else (like the cervix, tubes, or ovaries), where it isn’t viable.
In about 2% of pregnancies, implantation can happen outside the uterus (most often within the fallopian tube) — this is what’s called an ectopic pregnancy. When ectopic pregnancy (rarely) happens, it can be a very painful experience — both emotionally and physically.
Ectopic pregnancies are rarely medical emergencies that cannot be carried to term or transplanted into the uterus.
Early warning of ectopic pregnancy
Often, the first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. If blood leaks from the fallopian tube, you may feel shoulder pain or an urge to have a bowel movement. Your specific symptoms depend on where the blood collects and which nerves are irritated.
Causes:
In most pregnancies, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube to the womb (uterus). If the movement of the egg is blocked or slowed through the tubes, it can lead to an ectopic pregnancy. Things that may cause this problem include:
1. Birth defect in the fallopian tubes
2. Scarring after a ruptured appendix
3. Endometriosis
4. Having had an ectopic pregnancy in the past
5. Scarring from past infections or surgery on the female organs
How Is an Ectopic Pregnancy Treated?
How doctors treat an ectopic pregnancy depends on things like the size and location of the pregnancy. Sometimes they can treat an early ectopic pregnancy with an injection of methotrexate, which stops the growth of the embryo. The tissue usually is then absorbed by the woman’s body. If the pregnancy is farther along, doctors usually need to do surgery to remove the abnormal pregnancy.
Whatever treatment she gets, a woman will see her doctor regularly afterwards to make sure her pregnancy hormone levels return to zero. This may take several weeks. An elevated level could mean that some ectopic tissue was missed. If so, she might need more methotrexate or surgery.
Can I get pregnant again after Ectopic Pregnancy?
Yes, you can get pregnant after an ectopic pregnancy — but the risk of recurrence after one is around 10%. The sooner an ectopic pregnancy is treated, the fewer implications there may be for future fertility.
Risk Factors:
Any woman can have an ectopic pregnancy. But the risk is higher for women who are
older than 35 and those who have had:
-> PID
-> a previous ectopic pregnancy
-> surgery on a fallopian tube
-> infertility problems or medicine to stimulate ovulation
Some birth control methods also can affect a woman’s risk of ectopic pregnancy. Those who become pregnant while using an intrauterine device (IUD) might be more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy. Smoking and having multiple sexual partners also increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
Once you have had an ectopic pregnancy, you are at higher risk of having another one. During future pregnancies, be alert for signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy until your doctor confirms the next pregnancy is growing in the right place. Call your doctor right away if you’re pregnant and having any pain, bleeding, or other symptoms of ectopic
pregnancy. Call us on 88865 92229 and schedule an appointment.
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