The most common site of an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube, which transports eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Tubal pregnancy is the name for this form of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can happen anywhere in the body, including the ovary, abdominal cavity, or the lower section of the uterus (cervix), which links to the vaginal canal.
Ectopic pregnancy is the most common cause of maternal death in the first trimester. The implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity is known as ectopic pregnancy. The fertilized egg passes from the fallopian tube into the uterus, where the pregnancy develops, in a normal pregnancy. However, in a small number of pregnancies, the embryo implants outside the uterus, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. The fallopian tube is where the majority of extrauterine pregnancies (97%) implant; the cervix, ovary, peritoneal cavity, and uterine scars are where the remaining 3% of ectopic pregnancies implant. As the pregnancy progresses in an ectopic pregnancy, the tube can rupture, resulting in internal bleeding. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention.
The symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain: This is most common in the low pelvic area.
- Vaginal bleeding: The blood may be lighter or darker in colour than the menstrual period fluid. It’s also possible that it’s less viscous.
- Shoulder pain could be a sign of internal bleeding. The phrenic nerve may be irritated by the bleeding, resulting in pain.
- Significant bleeding might cause fainting or collapse, which is a medical emergency.
Light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain are frequently the first indicators of an ectopic pregnancy. If blood seeps from the fallopian tube, you may experience shoulder pain or a strong desire to urinate. The location of the blood pool and which nerves are affected determine your individual symptoms.
