What is Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic generally entails the meaning of abnormal positioning. An ectopic pregnancy also called the tubal pregnancy implies the implantation of fertilized egg exterior to the uterus. This out of place pregnancy habitually takes place in the fallopian tube together with rare chances of its occurrence in the ovary, cervix or abdominal area. It is estimated that ectopic pregnancies account for 1 out of 50 pregnancies and about 10,700 ectopic pregnancies happen in UK each year. Read about mono symptoms.
It is not possible to convert an abnormal ectopic pregnancy into a normal one as it is potentially life threatening and urgent situation, so terminating the maternity state is the only way out. There are certain perils associated with ectopic pregnancy that is why it’s imperative to be familiar with its early signs and get cure quickly.
Why Ectopic Pregnancy happens?
This happens due to fallopian tube blockage or damage due to infection, or pelvic inflammatory disease that hinders the passage for egg to be developed in the uterus and hence causing abnormal implantation. If left untreated, fallopian tube may burst, following bleeding and pain in the abdomen. Excessive and uncontrolled bleeding may result in eternal tube loss and even lead to death. Check what are the main kidney stones symptoms.
What causes ectopic pregnancy?
Certain reasons may cause this condition. These include:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease as Chlamydia or gonorrhea
- Tubal endometriosis
- Abdominal surgery, caesarean section or other sterilization operation
- Intake of contraceptive pill or intrauterine contraceptive device usage
- Smoking
- Earlier ectopic pregnancy
- Aging factor
- Infertility treatments
What are the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy symptoms usually appear around the 6th week of pregnancy. However, symptoms may become evident at any time within 4 to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy may differ in women or may not appear atall until the last stage. Major signs include:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain: Feeling of one-sided pain in the lower abdomen can be abrupt and unrelenting, and can get worst in certain cases. It is often accompanied with nausea and vomiting.
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding: The bleeding on the onset of pregnancy may be reddish or brown, light or thick and may be incessant and sporadic.
- Shoulder tip pain: This pain arises due to internal bleeding that aggravates nerves reaching the shoulder area.
Other symptoms include:
- Signs of shocks, racing pulse; sweaty skin on rupturing of fallopian tube
- dizziness or fainting due to blood loss
- Low blood pressure
- Lower back pain
- Sweating, diarrhea or blood in stool
How Ectopic Pregnancy is Diagnosed?
Ectopic pregnancy yet tricky but possible to diagnose by:
- A pregnancy test
- A pelvic examination
- A blood test for checking pregnancy hormone (HCG) level
- An ultrasound
In Synopsis
- Ectopic pregnancy is widespread and by no means lives on
- If fallopian tube ruptures on growing embryo, urgent surgery is required
- On time diagnosis and treatment is necessary for avoiding any severe situation
- Not all ectopic pregnancies demand surgery
- Seek medical attention immediately if any of the ectopic pregnancy symptoms are visible
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