It all starts with a fertilised egg. The fertilised egg normally adheres to the uterine lining. The term “ectopic pregnancy” refers to the fact that a fertilised egg implants and develops outside of the uterus’s main cavity.
Most ectopic pregnancies arise in fallopian tubes, which transport eggs from the ovary to the uterus. A tubal pregnancy is a form of ectopic pregnancy. Other parts of the body, such as the ovary, abdominal cavity or lower uterus (cervix), might also be affected by an ectopic pregnancy, which can lead to miscarriage.
Ectopic pregnancies are not viable and must be terminated. If the developing tissue is not addressed, the fertilised egg will die and the egg will bleed to death.
Symptoms
It’s possible that you won’t have any symptoms for a while. The standard early signs and symptoms of pregnancy, such as a missed period, breast soreness and nausea, might occur in some women with an ectopic pregnancy.
Pregnancy tests will show that you’re pregnant. Even yet, life with an ectopic pregnancy is not typical.
The signs and symptoms of a fertilised egg growing in the wrong location become increasingly apparent as it matures.
Early warning of ectopic pregnancy
Light vaginal bleeding and pelvic discomfort are often the first indicators of an ectopic pregnancy.
Fallopian tube blood leaks might cause discomfort in the shoulder and a need to urinate. The particular symptoms you experience are determined on the location of the blood clots and the inflamed nerves.
Emergency symptoms
Continually growing in the fallopian tube, the fertilised egg has the potential to burst the tube. There’s a good chance of serious internal bleeding. Extreme lightheadedness and fainting are among the symptoms of this potentially fatal occurrence.
When to see a doctor
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Vaginal haemorrhage and severe abdominal or pelvic discomfort
- fainting or dizziness that is uncontrollable
- a soreness in the shoulders
Causes
When a fertilised egg becomes caught in the fallopian tube on its route to the uterus, it is known as a tubal pregnancy, and it is the most frequent kind of ectopic pregnancy. Fertilized egg abnormalities or hormonal imbalances may also play an impact.
Risk factors
Some factors that increase your risk of having an ectopic pregnancy include:
- Previous ectopic pregnancy. It’s more probable that you’ll have another pregnancy like this if you’ve had one before.
- Inflammation or infection. Inflammation of the fallopian tubes and other adjacent organs caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia increases your chance of an ectopic pregnancy.
- Fertility treatments. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) and comparable procedures have been linked to an increased risk of ectopic pregnancies in women. Having trouble becoming pregnant might also increase your risk.
- Tubal surgery. An ectopic pregnancy might be more likely after surgery to repair a closed or damaged fallopian tube.
- Choice of birth control. It is very unlikely that an IUD user will get pregnant. If you do get pregnant while using an IUD, it is more probable that the pregnancy will end up being an ectopic one. If you get pregnant after undergoing tubal ligation, which is sometimes known as “tying your tubes,” your chance of complications increases.
- Smoking. The chance of an ectopic pregnancy might be increased by smoking a cigarette before you get pregnant. The danger grows exponentially in direct proportion to the amount of tobacco you use.
Complications
In the case of ectopic pregnancies, fallopian tubes might rupture. A burst tube may cause life-threatening bleeding if left untreated.
Prevention
However, here are some things you may do to lessen your chances of having an ectopic pregnancy;
Preventing sexually transmitted diseases and maybe reducing the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease can be achieved by limiting the number of sexual partners and wearing a condom during intercourse.
Don’t light up a cigarette. If you’re a smoker, stop before you attempt to conceive.
People also search
What is the main cause of ectopic pregnancy?
When a fertilised egg becomes caught in the fallopian tube on its route to the uterus, it is known as a tubal pregnancy, and it is the most frequent kind of ectopic pregnancy. Fertilized egg abnormalities or hormonal imbalances may also play an impact.
Can a baby survive from ectopic pregnancy?
It is possible for a foetus to live in an ectopic pregnancy for many weeks. However, the foetus cannot live outside the uterus due to a lack of blood flow and support from the surrounding tissues.
How do I know if I’m having an ectopic pregnancy?
The only way to tell for sure whether you have an ectopic pregnancy is to see a doctor. A pelvic exam, blood test, or ultrasound may be performed by your doctor or nurse to determine the cause. The sooner an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed and treated, the better.
