For any woman, becoming pregnant is the most precious time of her life. Pregnancy is not an easy process for any woman. She should be under constant observation during the entire process to prevent complications. It takes nine months for a woman to give birth to a baby, but some pregnancies take less time due to various complications.
During the delivery of a baby, a pregnant woman faces pain and stress that is almost like a rebirth. But, unfortunately, there are a few things that can go wrong during pregnancy, and one such problem is Ectopic Pregnancy.
A woman must seek medical attention immediately to avoid unnecessary problems associated with the reproductive system. Pregnancies with ectopic origins are very rare, occurring in only two pregnancies of every 100.
Ectopic Pregnancy
A fertilised egg moves through the fallopian tube and joins the uterus lining to form a healthy pregnancy. But in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilised egg is attached to a place other than the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. Often it is called “tubal pregnancy.”
Ovaries release the egg just before two weeks of the next period, which moves into the fallopian tube. The egg stays in the fallopian tube for about 24 hours, waiting to contact the sperm for fertilisation. Once the egg is fertilised, it stays 3 or 4 days in the fallopian tube before moving to the uterus.
If the egg travels into the uterus and attaches to the uterus lining, it is healthy. But if the fertilised egg resides in the fallopian tube or the cervix and starts to develop there, it is called an Ectopic Pregnancy.
Fallopian tubes are unsuitable for pregnancy, which must be removed to avoid endangering the mother’s health.
Where are ectopic pregnancies found?
The common locations of ectopic pregnancy are:
Cervix: Ectopic pregnancies developed in the cervix are often referred to as Cervical Pregnancy
Abdomen: If the pregnancy develops in the abdomen, it is known as Abdominal Pregnancy.
Ovary: If the ectopic pregnancy develops in the ovaries, then it is called Ovarian Pregnancy
Fallopian Tubes: It is the most common site of ectopic pregnancy development, often referred to as tubal pregnancy or tubal pregnancy.
What are the causes of ectopic pregnancy?
The possible causes are:
- Blockages in the fallopian tubes prevent eggs from passing to their desired positions in the uterus. A fallopian tube obstruction may result from inflammation or an infection.
- Due to scar tissue caused by previous surgery on the tubes or previous infections, the egg moves more slowly in the fallopian tube.
- An ectopic pregnancy may also result from endometriosis.
- The attachment of the egg itself in the pelvic region or the fallopian tubes may occur due to prior surgery in those areas.
- Congenital disorders or genetic abnormalities might result in irregular fallopian tube growth, which can cause ectopic pregnancy.
What are the risk factors of developing an ectopic pregnancy?
Patients with the following conditions are at higher risk for ectopic pregnancy.
- Smoking
- History of induced abortions
- If the woman is between 35-44 years of age
- Women who are taking infertility treatment
- Prior surgery to the pelvic or abdominal area
- Reproductive organs Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (PID’s)
- Contraceptive methods like the Intrauterine Device (IUD),
- Ectopic pregnancies in the past
Signs and Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy:
- Light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.
- Upset stomach and vomiting.
- Sharp abdominal cramps.
- Pain on one side of your body.
- Dizziness or weakness.
- Pain in your shoulder, neck, or rectum.
Diagnosis options for ectopic pregnancy:
At Ziva Fertility Center, ectopic pregnancy can be diagnosed using the following methods.
- Pelvic exam: Doctors typically examine your pelvis for the presence of problems, such as abdominal tenderness or muscle mass.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound is performed to confirm the growing location of the fetus, whether inside or outside the uterus.
- Measuring the hCG levels: If your hCG level is low, it could indicate an ectopic pregnancy. Your doctor will measure your hCG levels to find out what type of pregnancy you have.
- Measuring the levels of progesterone: Low levels of progesterone are also an indication of ectopic pregnancy.
- Perform Culdocentesis: Culdocentesis is an examination of the fallopian tubes for signs of internal bleeding. By performing this procedure, the doctor can check whether or not the bleeding is caused by a ruptured fallopian tube.
Treatment and Care for Ectopic Pregnancy
Various treatments are available for Ectopic pregnancy.
During the early stages of pregnancy, a drug called Methotrexate is administered to thin down the pregnancy tissue. In this case, the pregnancy tissue gets dissolved, preventing the fallopian tube from breaking.
Surgery for Ectopic Pregnancy:
When a fallopian tube ruptures, surgery is done to stop the bleeding. Depending on the severity of the rupture, the dead tissue or a portion of the fallopian tube may be removed.
Laparoscopy for Ectopic Pregnancy
A laparoscopic procedure can also treat ectopic pregnancies. This procedure involves surgically removing pregnancy tissue under anaesthesia and repairing the damaged fallopian tubes.
A mother’s emotional and physical well-being can be affected by these ectopic pregnancies. The skilled surgeons and gynaecologists at Ziva Fertility Center are committed to treating your pregnancy problems to have a better chance of having a healthy pregnancy in the future.
If you are experiencing pregnancy problems, do not take the risk; reach out to our experienced gynaecologists at Ziva Fertility Center. Treating ectopic pregnancy as early as possible will increase the likelihood of future conception without incident. Call +91-9100002737 or +91-9392834024 to book an appointment.
