Ectopic pregnancy - Symptoms & causes

Ectopic pregnancy - Symptoms & causes 

Overview

Fertilized eggs are the first step in pregnancy. The fertilized egg typically adheres to the uterine lining. When a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus's main cavity, it is known as an ectopic pregnancy.

The most common location for an ectopic pregnancy is in the fallopian tube, which transports eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. A tubal pregnancy is the term for this kind of ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy can occasionally develop in other body parts, such as the ovary, the abdominal cavity, or the section of the uterus that attaches to the vagina (cervix).

A pregnancy that is ectopic cannot develop properly. If treatment is not received, the fertilized egg cannot survive and the developing tissue may bleed to death.

Ectopic Pregnancy Meaning

The fertilized egg adheres to the uterine lining during a healthy pregnancy. The egg attaches itself outside the uterus, generally to the inside of a fallopian tube, in an ectopic pregnancy.

 Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms

At initially, you might not experience any sign of ectopic pregnancy. Nonetheless, some women experience the typical early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, breast soreness, and missed periods, when they have an ectopic pregnancy.

A pregnancy test taken on you will come up positive. Nevertheless, an ectopic pregnancy cannot proceed normally.The symptoms and indicators become increasingly apparent when the fertilized egg matures in the incorrect location

Early warning of tubal pregnancy

Little vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain are frequently the initial indicators of an ectopic pregnancy. You can have the need to go to the bathroom or experience shoulder ache if blood seeps from the fallopian tube. Which nerves are inflamed and where the blood accumulates will determine your particular symptoms.

Emergency symptoms

It is possible for the fallopian tube to burst if the fertilized egg grows further inside it. It's likely that the abdomen is bleeding heavily. This potentially fatal incident manifests as severe dizziness, fainting, and shock

Diagnosis and Tests

How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed?

Most women are unaware that their pregnancy is ectopic until they go for an ultrasound, blood test, or prenatal appointment with their pregnancy care provider. Based on the information obtained at this session, your physician may suspect an ectopic pregnancy.

Several tests will be carried out by your provider in order to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. A pelvic exam and pregnancy confirmation may be part of this. Among these tests are:

  • Urine testing: This test entails urinating into a cup or on a test strip while in your provider's office, after which a test strip is dipped into the urine sample.
  • A blood test: Your healthcare provider may do a blood test to determine your body's level of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Only during pregnancy does your body produce HCG. As a fertilized egg implants in your uterus, HCG levels rise sharply, thus a low amount could constitute an ectopic pregnancy.
  • An ultrasonography exam: An ultrasonography employs sound waves to provide an image of the inside components of your body. This test will be used by your provider to determine the location of the fertilized egg's implant.

Culdocentesis is another procedure that your health care  provider may conduct if they believe the ectopic pregnancy has burst, but this is not very common.

Your healthcare professional will talk with you about a treatment plan after confirming the ectopic pregnancy and identifying the location of the fertilized egg's implant. Treatment for an ectopic pregnancy is crucial and should be handled immediately.

Management and Treatment

How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?

Healthcare professionals use surgery or medication to manage ectopic pregnancies.

Methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy

In certain situations, your doctor might advise taking the drug methotrexate to halt the fertilized egg's growth and end the pregnancy. Your fallopian tubes shouldn't be harmed by the medicine. If your fallopian tube has already burst, you are not eligible to utilize this drug.

You receive a single injection of methotrexate from your healthcare practitioner. While less intrusive than surgery, this approach does necessitate follow-up visits so your physician can keep an eye on your HCG levels. In these situations, regular follow-up is crucial. Rarely, if the first dosage of methotrexate fails to sufficiently lower HCG levels, a second injection may be required. To ensure you are prepared, discuss the risks and potential side effects of methotrexate with your healthcare professional.

Surgery for ectopic pregnancy

If your fallopian tube has already ruptured or is in danger of doing so, your doctor will want to perform surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy. This procedure is both a life-saving emergency surgery. Under anaesthesia, the surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, which involves multiple small abdominal incisions. Your fallopian tube may be preserved if the surgeon chooses to remove the egg from the tube or remove the entire tube while the egg is still within.

Can my pregnancy continue after an ectopic pregnancy?  

Regretfully, an ectopic pregnancy cannot be salvaged and is lethal for the fetus. You are unable to transfer an egg into your uterus once it has implanted outside. When treating an ectopic pregnancy, prompt action is crucial. There may be serious internal bleeding if the fallopian tube bursts after the egg implants there.

When to see a doctor

  • If you experience any of the following symptoms or indicators of an ectopic pregnancy, get emergency medical attention:
  • severe pelvic or abdominal discomfort coupled with vaginal bleeding
  • severe dizziness or passing out
  • Pain in the shoulders

Now that you have all the information about Ectopic pregnancy Symptoms & causes , if you feel like something is wrong, then do not douche, instead consult the Top Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Dubai from New Concept Clinic, a Gynaecology Hospital in Dubai offering the best gynaecology services. To get all the answers to your questions Schedule an Appointment and speak with our doctor now.