Ectopic pregnancy:
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside intead of growing in the cavity of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy usually happens in a fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This type of ectopic pregnancy is called a tubal pregnancy.
Pregnancy start when the egg is fertilized. In normal cases, fertilized egg attach with the uterus line and fetus development starts in the uterus where it can grow and uterus can expand according to the size of fetus. In case of ectopic pregnancy, fertilized egg implants outside the main cavity of uterus and grows in the fallopian tube. That’s why it is also called as extrauterine pregnancy. This pregnancy can also happen somewhere else in the women’s belly. It can cause extreme internal bleeding and you need medical treatment quickly.
This is also called tube pregnancy because in more than 90% cases, pregnancy happen in the fallopian tube. When pregnancy occur in the fallopian tube then chances of brusting or rupture increases amd bleeding from vagina starts which may b life threathing.
During the pregnancy from fertilization to delivery, alot of changes in the body of women happen and there are many steps afyer which pregnancy complete. During these multiple steps, first and most important step is that when a fertilized egg travel toward the uterus and attach itself to the lines of uterus. In ectopic pregnancy, fertilized egg fails to reached the uterus and pregnancy happen in the fallopian tube, cervix or abdominal cavity.
Although a pregnancy test determine that a women is pregnant or not but fertilized egg never grow properly at any place other than uterus. American Acedemy of Family Physicians research shows that an ectopic pregnancy happen in 1 out of 50 cases of pregnancies. An ectopic pregnancy should be treared becaise if remain untreated then there may be a medical emergency. Prompt treatment limits the chances and risks of ectopic pregnancy and also its complications. It increase the chances of healthy and successful prwgnancy in future and decrease the complications in future.
Where does an ectopic pregnancy happen?
When egg is implant and grows outside the uterus, ectopic pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tube. Development of egg started when it travel into the fallopian tube and insert itself into the wall of uterus. The most common pmace where the ectopic oregnancy happen is the fallopian tube. As most of the ectopic oregnancy occure here so it is called as tube pregnancy. Sometimw egg can also implant and grows at some other organs such as in abdominal cavity. These cases are rare than other one which is happen in the fallopian tube. Following are the sites where an ectopic pregnncy can happen:
Abdomen
Fallopiam tube
Cervix
Uterine ligament
Symptoms
Usually symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are not notice but in the women who have ectopic oregnancy can have following sings in the early stage
- Nausea
- Missed periods
- Tenderness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Pain in neck, rectum and shoulder
- Cramps in abdominal region
- Pelvic pain
- Bleeding from vagina
- Vomiting and Stomach issues
In most of the cases,, an ectopic pregnancy occur in the first weeks of pregnancy. At that time you may not notice any symtoms or even you dont know that you are pregnant.If you take a pregnancy test, the result will be positive. If result is positive when you test for ectopic oregnancy, it will not continue as normal and not survive.
- Nausea
- Breast soreness
- Pain in abdomen
- Pain in neck, shoulder and pelvic
- Severe pain in abdomen
- Rectal pressure
- Spotting or bleeding from vagina
- Dizziness
If you have any of these symptoms then you should consult to your doctor immedietly to get the treatment.
When egg is fertilized and not grows in proper place, and grows at improper place then the symptoms and sign becomes more visible. You can notice these symptoms easily.In ectopic pregnancy, chances of the fallopian tube to brust increase.When your fallopian tube rupture, you feel very sharo pain in lower abdomen. This is medical emergency amd at that time you meed to contact your doctor immedietely. Usually in the begning of ectopic oregnancy you have light bleeding from vagina and pain in pelvic region.
When blood leaks from the fallopian tube then pain starts in your shoulder amd you need to have bowl movement. Actually your specific sign depends upon the region where blood collects and which nerve get disturb.
Emergency symptoms
When egg fertilizer and continue to grow in improper place , in the fallopian tube then the tube may b rupture lr brust which is the emergency symptom. Following are the symptoms which shows you noticable ergncy condition
- Major pain
- Heavy bleading from vagina
- Tenderness
- Shoulder pain
- Extreme ligjtheadedness
- Shock
- Fainting
Causes
Most coomon form of ectopic pregnancy is tube pregnancy in which egg fertilized egg is implant and grows out of uterus and development hallens in the fallopian tube.when egg travel toword the uterus and it get stuck due the misshapen and inflimmation of fallopian tube. This inflammation caused the damage of fallopian tube. Abnormal developmnet of eff and hamonal imbalance also play inportant role. Most of the time you dont know that why you have an ectopic pregnancy. Some of the causes due to which ectopic pregnancy happen include
- Damaged fallopian tube which happens due to scarring and inflammation of fallopian tube caused by a previous infection, surgery or any other medical condition
- Birth defects
- hormonal imbalance
- Conditions of reproductive organs
- genetic factors
- When shape of fallopian tube affected by any medical condition
When you consult your doctor, he will give you specific information about your health and recommemed tou best treatment.
Chances of ectopic pregnancy increase if you
- Smoke
- had previous ectopic pregnancy
- age is more than 35
- Had use fertility drugs
- Have infection due to sexual transmission
- Scarring due to pelvic surgery
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Had tubal ligation reversal
Risk factors
There are some factors which increase the chances of ectopic pregnany. Some of these factors include
- An ectopic pregnancy in past, if you have any previous ectopic pregnancy then there are more chances of having another ectopic pregnancy again
- Infections due to sexual transmission such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause infection or inflammation in the fallopian tube or any other organ which increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy
- Infection in pelvic region
- Fertility treatments such as the women who have in vitro fertilization or such type any other treatment are at high risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Different procedure or surgery to treat the damaged or closed fallopian tube can increasea the chances of ectopic pregnancy
- Infertility can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy
- If you are smoking the cigerate then the chances of ectopic pregnancy to happen increases. You should avoid to smoke before you get pregnant. Risk of ectopic pregnancy are greater if you smoke more.
Complications
When egg implanta and start its development in the fallopian tube then due to infexibilty of fallopian tube, it cant expand and rupture as the size of fetus increases. When fallopian tube brust, extreme internal bleeding start which is threatend to your life and can lead to death.
Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis
Your doctor may suggest you an ultrasound that will examine you fallopian tubes and uterus very well. They can also recommend you to have test which include a pelvic exam and a pregnancy test. Ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed when you have an oppointment by your doctor. He will perform many test to ensure the pregnancy and then different test done to confrim the ectopic pregnancy. Following are the tests which usually done by your doctor
- A urine test
- A blood test
- Ultrasound
A urine test
In this test, your urine place on a test strip which is just like a stick in shape or urinating in the bowl or cup in your doctor’s office an then dip the test strip in it. This will ensure that you have pregnancy or not.
A blood test
A blood test is done by your doctor to see that how much human chorionic gonadotropin harmone you have in your body. This harmone us called as the level of serum beta hCG level which is produced during the pregnancy. A blood test also perform to determine the level of progesteone or hCG in your body. These harmones present in your body during the pregnancy. Id the level of these harmones decrease ir remain same over a period of time( few days) and uktrasound not detect the gestational sac then it seems that pregnancy is ectopic.
Ultrasound exam:
In ultrasound, sound waves are used. These sound waves create a picture of the internal structure of your body. This is often used during pregnancy. Your doctor use this test to determine that where the fertilized egg implanted either in uterus or in fallopian tube. When oregnancy is conferm and its determined that where the pregnancy happen then its decided that which treatment is best. Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency and quick treatment is required.
The ultrasound should be done both transvaginally and transabdominal. In transabdominal scan, a wider overview od abdomen is done and a transvaginal test is important for diagnostic sensitivity. In case when your fallopian tube rupture then you meed an emergency medical aid. At this time you cant wait for oppointment. Ectopic pregnancy is usually determined in the early phase as in first trimester. In the eight week, ectopic pregnancy can discovered. Afyer that your doctor perform surgery in emergency situation to give quick treatment.
Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment
As a fertilized egg grows and not survive at anywhere other than uterus so its important that your doctor should take it out to prevent the serious health problems and even it can cause death. There are two methods which are commonly use
- Medication
- Surgery
Medication
In ectooic pregnancy. Usually fallopian tube brust and internal bleeding starts but in case if fallopian tube not rupture then your doctor will give you methotrexate. Growth of cells stops by this shot. These are absorb by your body.There are many different ways by which your doctor can treat an ectopic pregnancy. The use of methotrexate will stop the growth of cells as a result of which pregnancy ends. An injection of methotrexate is given to your body by healthcare provider or your doctor. This method is more preferable than surgery because surgery is recommened in severe cases.
Methotrexeate
It is a drug that is used to stop the development of growing cells which divide rapidly. This medicine is given in the form of injection. You should also get tests on rwgular basis to check that drug is effective or not. If his medication is effective then you notice the symptoms which are similar to that of a miscarriage. These sympltoms include:
- Bleeding
- Cramping
- Passing of tissues
After using this medicine, you may not get pregnant.
Surgery
Surgery is recommened when condition is severe and cant handle by medication. This is perscribed by your doctor or surgeon when your fallopian tube brusted or at the risk of rupture. This is necessery because your condition can threatened and lead to death. Some time surgeon remove the fallopian tube if it brust or egg from fallopian tube.
- Laparoscopy
The most common surgery is laparoscopy. In this procedure your doctor or surgeon will make a small cut in the lower part of your belly, insert a flexible and thin tube which is called as laparoscope. This tube collect the ectopic oregnancy from fallopian tube. If your fallopian tube is infected, damaged or rupture they immedietly remove it. In case if there is alot of nternal bleeding due to rupture of fallopian tube then your doctor will make a large cut and emergency surgery us done. This pro ess is called laparotomy.
Many surgeons remove the embryo and try to repair internal damage. They insert a small camera to examine their work and then remove the embryo from fallopian tube to recover it.
Who is at risk for an ectopic pregnancy?
All the women who are sexually active have chances to have an ectopic pregnnacy. These chances increase with any of these fctors
- History of endometriosis
- Previous ectopic pregnancy
- 35 year older or more maternal age
- History of a dominal surgery
- Pelvic inclammatory diseases in past
- Previous pelvic surgery
- Multiple abortions
- Smoking
- Previous ectopic pregnancy
- Use of different drugs or procedures for conception
- Abnormalities in the structure of fallopian tube which make it difficult for egg to travel toward uterus
Talk to your doctor or fertility specialist if you have any of above factor so that the chances of ectopic pregnancy in future can be minimize and go with a successful pregnancy in future.
Home care
Your doctor will recommend you some specific i structions according to the situation of the surgery. The main purpose is to keep your incision heal and dry while they are on the way to get recovery. Check and examine on daily basis for infection symptoms which include
- excessive bleeding
- Feels Hot to touch
- Redness
- foul-smelling from drainage site
- swelling
You can experience some bleeding and blood clots after the surgery. After the procedure, this can happen after six weeks of surgery. Following are the self care practices which you can take
- To prevent constipation, drink plenty of water and other fluids
- Do not try to lift up Anything which is heavier in weight more than 10 pounds
- Take a rest as much as possible in the first week postsurgery
- Increase your activities in next week
- Try to avoid from pelvic activites ( sexual intercourse, douching and tampon use)
- Talk to your doctor if you feel that pain increase and anything else which is out of ordinary
Prevention
There is not any way by which you can prevent to have an ectopic pregnancy but there are some fctors which can reduce the chances and risk of ectopic pregnancy to happen. Some of these include
- Avoid smoking, if do then try to quit before you get pregnant
- Avoid the usge of codon during sex
- sexual partners should limited
- Prevent from sexual infection
- Should gain healthy wieght
- Shoud take goid diet
You should tapk to your doctor about the risk factors of ectopic pregnancy before you try to get pregnant.
When to talk to doctor.?
You should consult to your doctor if have notice symptoms of ectopic oregnancy and should get treatment quickly if you have
- Severe internal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Pain in pelvic region
- Pain in shoulder
- Lightheaded
- Extreme fainting
Is an ectopic pregnancy serious?
An ectopic pregnancy is serious medical emergency. In normal pregnancy uterus is proper place for the development of fetus. In this, uterus have flexibiltg which can stretch and expand according to the grrowth of fetus. But fallopian tubes have not flexibilty and they rupture when fertilized egg grows and develop in it. When fallopian tube brust, there is large amount of internal bleeding which can led to threatened the life. When you come to onow that you have an ectopic pregnancy then you need treatment immedietly so you can prevent injury of fallopian tube. Its necessary to control the internal bleeding because it can cause death.
After an Ectopic Pregnancy
If you had ectopic pregnancy once then It is difficult for you to have a normal and successful pregnancy afterward. If your one fallopian tube removed then talk to your doctor or fertility specialist for successful oregnancy in future. He will guide you that how much time you should wait for next pregnancy. Most of the doctors recommend you to have 3 months time so that your body heal for next pregnancy. When you get oregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy, you can feel some changes in your body and you should keep your mind ready for any news either it grows at proper place or not.
Long-term outlook:
After an ectopic pregnancy, long term outlook depends upon the reason either it caused physical damage. Most of the women who have ectopic pregnancy can have healthy and successfull pregnancies in future.
The long-term outlook after an ectopic pregnancy depends on whether it caused any physical damage. Most people who have ectopic pregnancies go on to have healthy pregnancies. If both fallopian tubes are still intact, or even just one, the egg can be fertilized as normal. However, if you have a preexisting reproductive problem, that can affect your future fertility and increase your risk of future ectopic pregnancy. This is especially the case if the preexisting reproductive problem has previously led to an ectopic pregnancy.
Surgery may scar the fallopian tubes, and it can make future ectopic pregnancies more likely. If the removal of one or both fallopian tubes is necessary, speak to your doctor about possible fertility treatments. An example is in vitro fertilization that involves implanting a fertilized egg into the uterus.
Pregnancy loss, no matter how early, can be devastating. You can ask your doctor if there are available support groups in the area to provide further support after loss. Take care of yourself after this loss through rest, eating healthy foods, and exercising when possible. Give yourself time to grieve.
Remember that many women go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies. When you’re ready, talk to your doctor about ways you can ensure that your future pregnancy is a healthy one.
Can i get pregnant after one ectopic pregnancy?
In most of the women who have an ectopic pregnancy can get pregnant and go on with a healthy pregnancy. But if you had an ectopic pregnancy once then the chances of ectopic pregnancy for next time increases. Its very important for you to talk to your doctor about the causes and risk factors of ectopic pregnancy so that you can try to adopt preventions to avoid the ectopic pregnancy in future.
You should consult to your doctor about the pregnancies in future after being you were treated for an ectopic pregnancy. Although pregnancy may occur after treatment but usually it’s often good that you should wait about three months. This will decrease the chances of another ectopic pregnancy because time will heal your fallopian tube.
Can you have a baby if your fallopian tube is removed:
In most cases, if your one fallopian tube is removed you can have a baby. There are two fallopian tubes in your body and egg can travel to other one if one of the fallopian tube is removed. There are some other process of fertility in which egg is removed from ovary and fertilized outside of the body, for implantaion placed it in thhe uterus. This process is called as Vitro fertilization
