Ectopic pregnancy (ectopic pregnancy) occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus instead of inside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy, most commonly seen in the fallopian tubes, can also occur in the ovary (ovarian pregnancy), in the abdomen (abdominal pregnancy) and in the cervix (cervical pregnancy).
How Does Ectopic Pregnancy Happen?
Under normal circumstances, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tubes and implants in the uterus. If these tubes are damaged or blocked for various reasons, the fertilized egg cannot go any further and cannot reach the uterus. It takes hold where it is and begins to thrive there. However, because the fallopian tubes are not large enough for the baby to grow and develop, the pregnancy does not progress normally. If the expectant mother is not recognized as having an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo may grow where it does not belong, causing the fallopian tubes to stretch excessively, burst or rupture. This can cause severe damage to the tubes, leading to abdominal pain and excessive bleeding, which can lead to the death of the expectant mother.
Who is more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy?
- People who have had an ectopic pregnancy before,
- People with adhesions in their tubes,
- In smokers,
- Pregnant women over 35 years of age,
- People with salpingitis (PID),
- Ovarian cysts and fibroids,
- Multiple abortions,
- Those undergoing infertility treatment,
- People with congenital tube problems are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy.
Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy
The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are just like the symptoms of an early pregnancy. Delayed menstruation, nausea and a positive pregnancy test are the same as a normal pregnancy, so it is difficult to recognize an ectopic pregnancy. However, over time, symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, pelvis, shoulders or neck, which can come and go and vary in intensity, abnormal vaginal bleeding, weakness, dizziness, fainting. At the stage when these symptoms are observed, the ectopic pregnancy may have ruptured the tube and started internal bleeding, which can endanger the patient’s life.
An ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed when the gestational sac, which should be inside the uterus, and the fetus are observed elsewhere. But this can sometimes be difficult and take time. For diagnosis, the expectant mother can undergo a serial pregnancy test, transvaginal ultrasound and diagnostic laparoscopy.
How is Ectopic Pregnancy Treated?
After an ectopic pregnancy, it is unfortunately not possible for the baby to get back to where it should be in the uterus. There are 3 methods to treat ectopic pregnancy. The first is the wait-and-see method. With this method, the body absorbs the ectopic pregnancy material itself and no intervention is necessary. The other method is the intramuscular injection of a drug called Methotrexate. Surgery may be necessary if these two methods fail or if there is a rupture and internal bleeding. Laparoscopy is preferred for surgery when appropriate conditions are present.
In summary, ectopic pregnancy is a serious threat to the mother’s life. If your delayed period is accompanied by abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, you will need to contact your doctor.
I wish you a healthy pregnancy process where the pregnancy occurs where it should be…
