Ectopic Pregnancy Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

With a fertilized egg, pregnancy begins. The fertilized egg usually attaches to the uterine lining. When a fertilized egg is inserted and develops outside the main uterine cavity, an ectopic pregnancy occurs.

Ectopic pregnancy happens most frequently in the fallopian tube, which brings eggs to the uterus from the ovaries. A tubal pregnancy is what this form of ectopic pregnancy is called. In other parts of the body, ectopic pregnancy also occurs, such as the ovary, abdominal cavity, or the lower part of the uterus (cervix) that leads to the vagina.

Normally, an ectopic pregnancy cannot continue. The fertilized egg can’t survive and, if left unchecked, the developing tissue can cause life-threatening bleeding.

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Ectopic Symptoms

You do not initially experience any symptoms. However, the normal early signs or symptoms of pregnancy are a missed time, breast tenderness and nausea for those women who have an ectopic pregnancy.

The outcome would be positive if you take a pregnancy test. But, as usual, an ectopic pregnancy can’t continue.

Signs and signs become more apparent as the fertilised egg develops in the wrong place.

Early sign of ectopic pregnancy

Sometimes, light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain are the first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy.

You can experience shoulder pain or an urge to have a bowel movement when blood leaks from the fallopian tube. Your individual symptoms depend on where the blood pools and the nerves that are irritated.

Emergency symptoms

It can cause the tube to burst if the fertilised egg continues to develop in the fallopian tube. It is possible that there is heavy bleeding inside the abdomen. Extreme lightheadedness, fainting and shock are signs of this life-threatening incident.

Whether to see a doctor

When you have any signs or symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, seek emergency medical assistance, including:

Extreme pain in the abdomen or pelvis followed by vaginal bleeding
Severe fainting or lightheadedness
Pain in the shoulder

Ectopic Pregnancy Causes

The most common type of ectopic pregnancy, a tubal pregnancy, occurs when a fertilised egg gets trapped on its way to the uterus, sometimes because inflammation damages or misforms the fallopian tube. Hormonal imbalances or irregular fertilised egg growth may also play a role.

Ectopic Pregnancy Risk Factor

The following are some factors that make you more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy:

Ectopic conception beforehand. If you have had this kind of pregnancy before, then you are more likely to have that kind of pregnancy.
Infection or inflammation. Sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia, may cause inflammation and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy in the tubes and other organs in the vicinity.
Treatments for fertility. Some evidence indicates that ectopic pregnancy is more likely for women who have in vitro fertilisation ( IVF) or similar treatments. Your risk can also be raised by infertility itself.
Surgery on tubal. The risk of an ectopic pregnancy may be increased by surgery to repair a blocked or damaged fallopian tube.
Birth control option. It is unusual to have the risk of becoming pregnant by using an intrauterine system (IUD). It’s more likely to be ectopic, though, if you get pregnant with an IUD in place. If you become pregnant after this operation, tubal ligation, a permanent birth control technique widely known as “getting your tubes bound,” also increases your risk.
Tobacco. The risk of an ectopic pregnancy may be increased by smoking cigarettes right before you get pregnant. The more you smoke, the danger becomes greater.

Complication

Your fallopian tube can burst open due to an ectopic pregnancy. The ruptured tube will contribute to life-threatening bleeding without therapy.

Prevention

There is no way to stop an ectopic pregnancy, but here are a few ways to-the risk:

Limiting the number of sexual partners and using a condom during intercourse helps to avoid and reduce the incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease from sexually transmitted infections.

Please don’t smoke. If you do, before trying to get pregnant, stop.

Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis

Your doctor may be able to locate areas of discomfort, tenderness, or a mass in the fallopian tube or ovary with a pelvic exam. However, by testing you, the doctor won’t be able to detect an ectopic pregnancy. Blood checks and an ultrasound would be mandatory for you.

Test for pregnancy

Your doctor will prescribe a blood test for human chorionic gonadotropin ( HCG) to confirm your pregnancy. During pregnancy, levels of this hormone increase. This blood test may be repeated every couple of days before an ectopic pregnancy can be confirmed or removed by ultrasound testing, typically around five to six weeks after conception.

Perform Ultrasound

Transvaginal ultrasound Open dialogue box pop-up

Your doctor will see the precise position of your pregnancy with a transvaginal ultrasound. A wand-like gadget is inserted into your vagina for this test. To produce pictures of your uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, it uses sound waves and sends the photographs to a nearby computer.

Abdominal ultrasound can be used to confirm your pregnancy or to test for internal bleeding, in which an ultrasound wand is passed over your abdomen.

Some Checks for Blood sample

To search for anaemia or other symptoms of blood loss, a full blood count will be performed. Your doctor can also prescribe tests to verify your blood type in case you need a transfusion if you are diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment

Normally, a fertilised egg can’t develop outside the uterus. Ectopic tissue must be removed to avoid life-threatening complications. This can be done using medicine, laparoscopic surgery or abdominal surgery, depending on the symptoms and when the ectopic pregnancy is detected.

Medicines

Most commonly, early ectopic pregnancy without unstable bleeding is treated with a drug called methotrexate that prevents the growth of cells and dissolves existing cells. The medicine is delivered by injection. Before this care is obtained, it is very important that the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is definite.

Your doctor will prescribe another HCG test after the injection to assess how well the drug works and whether you need more medicine.

Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment with Laparoscopic

Two laparoscopic procedures are salpingostomy and salpingectomy, which are used to treat some ectopic pregnancies. A small incision is made in the abdomen, close it, or in the navel during this operation. First, to display the tubal region, your doctor uses a thin tube fitted with a camera lens and light (laparoscope).

The ectopic pregnancy is removed and the tube left to recover on its own during a salpingostomy. The ectopic pregnancy as well as the tube are also cut in a salpingectomy.

Depends on the amount of bleeding and damage and if the tube has broken down, whatever treatment you have. If the other fallopian tube is fine or shows signs of previous damage is also a factor.

Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment by Surgery

If heavy bleeding is caused by an ectopic pregnancy, you could need emergency surgery. This can be done laparoscopically or by a laparotomy (abdominal incision). It is possible to save the fallopian tube in some situations. However, usually, a ruptured tube must be removed.

Coping and Help during Ectopic

It is painful to lose a pregnancy, even though you have only known about it for a short time. Recognize the loss, and give time to grieve for yourself. Talk about your emotions and allow yourself to fully feel them.

For help, rely on your spouse, loved ones and friends. You may also be finding the assistance of a support group, grief counsellor or other provider of mental wellbeing.

Many women who have an ectopic pregnancy appear to have a stable, prospective pregnancy. Normally, the female body has two Fallopian tubes. An egg can enter the other tube with sperm and then travel to the uterus if one is damaged or removed.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) may still be an option if both fallopian tubes have been harmed or removed. Mature eggs are fertilised in a lab with this technique and then inserted into the uterus.

Your chance of getting another one is increased if you have had an ectopic pregnancy. It’s really important to see the doctor again if you want to try to get pregnant again.

Your appointment planning during Ecotopic

If you have light vaginal bleeding or moderate stomach pain, call your doctor’s office. An office visit or urgent medical attention may be recommended by the doctor.

However, when you experience these warning signs or symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, emergency medical assistance is needed:

Extreme pain in the abdomen or pelvis followed by vaginal bleeding
Terrible lightheadedness
Fainting Over
When you have the above signs, dial 911 (or your nearest ambulance number) or go to the hospital.

What you should do for yourself

Before your appointment, jotting down your questions for the doctor may be helpful. Here are some questions that you would want your doctor to ask:

What are the types of tests I need?

What are the choices for treatment?

In the future, what are my chances of having a successful pregnancy?

How long should I wait before I try again to get pregnant?

If I am pregnant again, will I need to take some special precautions?

In addition to your prepared questions, any time you don’t understand anything, don’t hesitate to ask questions. If necessary, ask a loved one or friend to come along with you. All of the information given can often be hard to remember, particularly in an emergency situation.

What to expect from your physician

Your doctor will speak with you about your medical history and symptoms if you do not need emergency care and have not yet been diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy. There are also questions that you will be asked about your menstrual cycle, fertility and overall health.

With menstruation

What was the last period you had?

Have you found something uncommon about it?

For pregnancy

You may be pregnant?

Did you take a test for pregnancy? Was the result positive, if so?

Were you pregnant before? If so, what was each pregnancy ‘s outcome?

Have you ever had any fertility therapy?

In the future, do you intend to become pregnant?

The Symptoms

Do you have pain? Where does it hurt, if so?

Are you having vaginal bleeding? If so, is this more or less than a normal time of yours?

Are you dizzy or lightheaded?

History of Health

Have you ever undergone reproductive surgery, like tying your tubes (or a reversal)?

Have you experienced an illness that is sexually transmitted?

Do you receive treatment for any other medical conditions?

Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ectopic_pregnancy

Clarification on Ectopic Pregnancy: Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment