An ectopic pregnancy is one of the most tragic things that can happen during pregnancy. It is a pregnancy that is implanted outside the uterus, typically in the pelvic or abdominal region. The most common type of ectopic pregnancy is a tubal pregnancy, which means that the pregnancy is in the fallopian tubes.
In an ectopic pregnancy, the fetus produces enzymes that allow it to implant on various types of tissues, allowing it to be attached elsewhere other than the uterus. This type of pregnancy is particularly dangerous because it can damage internal tissues in the effort of the fetus to reach sufficient blood supply. If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening for the mother. That is why it is important to seek medical help immediately if you think you may be experiencing one.
What Are the Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy?
Other than advanced age, there are various factors that contribute to the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy. These include a history of the condition, being a smoker, and having had pelvic inflammatory disease. Also, if the Fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, this can also cause ectopic pregnancy.
a) Inflammatory diseases in the pelvic region, such as endometriosis or PID, can be very painful and can cause scarring of the tissues there. This can lead to infertility or other problems with the reproductive system.
b) Infertility
C) Use of IUD or intrauterine device
d) Those who have undergone tubal surgery
e) Smoking
f) Previous experience of ectopic pregnancy
g) Those who underwent tubal ligation
What Are the Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?
It’s important to be aware of the potential symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, as they can often be subtle and easily confused with other disorders. This is especially true in the early stages of pregnancy, when some symptoms may be more difficult to detect. If you are pregnant, be sure to watch for any changes in your body or health that may cause for concern.
The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include the following:
a) Painful urination
b) Pain in the lower abdomen area
C) Vaginal bleeding may occur when the level of progesterone falls. This is known as withdrawal bleeding and is usually harmless. However, if you experience heavy or prolonged bleeding, you should speak to your doctor as this may be a sign of a more serious problem.
d) Pain during bowel movement
e) Shoulder pain
f) A woman may feel abdominal pain or tenderness on either side of the pelvis. This can be caused by ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. The egg then travels down the Fallopian tube to the uterus.
How You Should Handle Ectopic Pregnancy
During an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo implants outside the uterus. This can cause severe health problems for the mother and is considered a medical emergency. If you think you may have an ectopic pregnancy, it is important to seek medical help right away. In most cases, treatment involves medication or surgery to terminate the pregnancy. With early diagnosis and treatment, most women make a full recovery.
