Ectopic Pregnancy – Causes, Symptoms And Treatments You Should Be Aware Of

It is common for many women to fret over pregnancy complications. An ectopic pregnancy is one such serious condition.

In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg attaches to the inner lining of the uterus, unlike a healthy pregnancy. It occurs in the Fallopian tube or sometimes in the abdominal cavity or the cervical region. The condition can prove fatal if you do not get treatment on time.

Now you may be curious to know more about ectopic pregnancy causes, symptoms and its treatments. Let’s satiate your curiosity. Read on and learn all about ectopic pregnancy.

What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?

Pregnancy begins with the fertilization process. Normally, the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. Whereas in an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg develops in a wrong place. It attaches itself to the outer lining of the uterus.

In some of the ectopic pregnancies, the egg attaches to the Fallopian tube. The type of pregnancy is a ‘tubal pregnancy.’ In some other rare conditions, an ectopic pregnancy can occur in other parts like ovary, the cervical region and abdominal cavity.

An ectopic pregnancy is far from normal. It is a serious condition, serious where in the egg cannot survive, and the growing tissue destroys surrounding maternal structures. It causes internal bleeding and infections. Get early treatment to save the chances for healthy pregnancies in the future.

Out of every 100 pregnancies, at least two will turn out to be ectopic. Also, the cases have gone up from the past 30 years. Experts say that ectopic pregnancies may happen due to infertility treatments or sexually transmitted infections.

Causes And Risk Factors Of An Ectopic Pregnancy

An Ectopic pregnancy may happen due to damage in your Fallopian tube, which helps the egg reach its destination. The egg will, therefore, implant either in the Fallopian tube or somewhere else.

You will be at higher risk of experiencing an ectopic pregnancy if you have had any of the following:

• History Of Ectopic Pregnancy: If you have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past, your risk increases from 1 in 90 to 1 in 10.

• Infection Or Inflammation: Infection of the Fallopian tubes, uterus or ovaries and also inflammation of the Fallopian tube (salpingitis) can improve the chances of ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydia or gonorrhea are the main causes of the infection.

• Structural Concerns: An ectopic pregnancy can occur if you have damaged Fallopian tube orb unusually shaped Fallopian tube. Also, any surgery done to the Fallopian tube can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

• Fertility Concerns: Any difficulties with fertility and also the use of fertility drugs can increase the chance of ectopic pregnancy.

• Related Surgeries: Any abdominal surgery, including appendicitis, caesarean section or sterilization reversal can also increase the risk.

• Contraceptives: Pregnancy is rare if you use contraceptives like IUD (Intra Uterine Device) or any pill. It is the same if you conceive after undergoing tubal ligation method, a permanent birth control method. Pregnancy is rare after tubal ligation, but if it happens, it turns out to be ectopic.

• Smoking: Smoking a cigar before your conception can increase the chances of ectopic pregnancy. The more you smoke, the higher the risk.

• Age: There is a chance your pregnancy will be ectopic if you are 40 and above.

• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that causes scarring in the Fallopian tubes, and affects them badly. The condition also increases the chance of ectopic pregnancy.

Symptoms Of An Ectopic Pregnancy

Symptoms develop in the early stage of pregnancy itself and vary from woman to woman. Some women will develop no symptoms until the pregnancy ruptures.

In the early pregnancy, you will begin to experience similar symptoms like that of a normal pregnancy. They may include:

• Sore breasts

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Vaginal spotting or bleeding

•  Abdominal pain or tenderness

In some cases, the gynecologist will be able to detect an ectopic pregnancy in your first abdominal examination. See your health care provider immediately if you experience any of the symptoms like:

Pain Or Tenderness In The Abdominal Or Pelvic Region

A sudden, severe and persistent pain that can also be mild or intermittent can develop. You may find it difficult while you cough or move your bowels. Pain can be anywhere in the abdominal or pelvic region accompanied by vomiting and nausea.

Vaginal Bleeding And Spotting:

During the initial stage of pregnancy, there are chances you may bleed lightly. The blood may vary from red to brown, heavy to light, continuous to intermittent.

Shoulder Pain:

Pain in the shoulder, especially when you lie down is a warning of ruptured ectopic pregnancy. The main cause for the pain is internal bleeding that signals the nerves traveling to the shoulder area.

Other Signs:

You will experience signs of shock, weak and racing pulse, clammy skin and dizziness.

It is important to take immediate care if you become a pregnant despite having a tubal ligation, or having an IUD or a previous history of ectopic pregnancy.

If you are already receiving fertility treatments and get pregnant, your doctor will monitor your pregnancy.

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