Meaning Of Ectopic Pregnancy
In normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube and adheres to the uterine wall. Ectopic pregnancy, also called tubal pregnancy, is when the fertilized egg is located outside the uterus and develops abnormally. The most common site is the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancy may also occur in areas such as the cervix, ovary, intra-abdominal, and scar from a previous cesarean delivery.
What possible symptoms to expect
An ectopic pregnancy occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy. The very apparent symptoms that one would expect include abnormal vaginal bleeding and pain in the lower back/pelvis/abdomen. In extreme cases where there is rupture, one would exhibit severe symptoms. Emergency symptoms include severe bleeding, shoulder pain, hypotension, dizziness and fainting, weakness, rectal pressure, and the possibility of shock. Regardless of the intensity of symptoms, a doctor’s attention is necessary.
Who is at risk
There are various risk factors that may increase the chances of ectopic pregnancy. Some women experience ectopic pregnancy without any known risk factors. The common risk factors include previous ectopic pregnancy, previous abdominal or pelvic operation, infections, and history of infertility treatment. Women who are above 35 years of age are also at risk compared to younger ones.
Available treatment modalities
When looking at the treatment for ectopic pregnancy, medication and surgery are the two options. The class of medications used to terminate the pregnancy is antimetabolites. The surgical option is laparoscopy surgery which is done under general anesthesia. The choice of treatment depends on the condition of the fallopian tube.
A further look into the treatment options
The medication option is performed via injection when there is no rupture of the tube. Laparoscopy surgery is considered an emergency and is performed when a fallopian tube has ruptured. Similar to other medications and surgeries, a woman will experience side effects after the therapy. After any type of treatment, there will be abdominal discomfort or pain, which is taken care of with over-the-counter drugs. Regardless of the treatment, follow-ups are necessary to ensure well-being.
The severity and expectations of ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is considered a life-threatening condition and is a medical emergency. Once ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, the chances of fetus survival are low. In this situation, saving the mother’s life is imperative. Post an ectopic pregnancy, women may have successful pregnancies, but this varies from case to case. Consulting a healthcare provider to discuss future pregnancies and possible consequences is recommended.
