Overview
While pregnancy is a time of great excitement, sometimes complications, such as ectopic pregnancy, can arise that require immediate medical attention. In this case, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, which becomes one of the most common causes of mortality, particularly during the first trimester.
Though ectopic pregnancies are relatively rare, they occur in about 1-2 percent of all pregnancies, which is equivalent to one out of every 50 pregnancies, posing serious health risks to the mothers if left untreated.
Therefore, it becomes significantly important to learn about the related risk factors, symptoms, treatment options, and possible complications of ectopic pregnancy.
Who is at an increased risk
Several factors contribute to an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy, such as
- Women aged 35–44 have a higher risk of
- Smoking
- A history of sterilization and reconstructive surgeries
- A history of in vitro fertilization
- Infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea
- If you’ve had a previous ectopic pregnancy, your risk is higher.
Symptoms
While the symptoms may not be prominent initially, some women might show visible symptoms at an early stage, such as dizziness, nausea, or a missed period.
Alternatively, the initial warning signs you must look for are light vaginal bleeding, which is different from a normal period, and a stabbing pelvic pain.
These symptoms might be mistaken for a normal pregnancy, but they’re not!
In fact, there is a possibility of rupturing the fallopian tube due to the growth of a fertilized egg, which can be a life-threatening condition for the expectant mother.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is crucial when it comes to dealing with the complications of ectopic pregnancy. Healthcare providers may opt for transvaginal ultrasounds to see the location of the pregnancy. Alternatively, blood tests (hCG) and pelvic examinations are some other methods to indicate an abnormal pregnancy.
Complications
If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can turn into a life-threatening condition.
If the egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube and it continues to grow, it may eventually lead to rupturing of the fallopian tube. A similar thing may happen if the egg is fertilized in the cervix.
Treatment
The treatment depends on the size and location of the ectopic pregnancy. If the condition is detected at an early stage, medications can be used to stop the growth of the pregnancy tissue. However, for more complex conditions, surgery such as a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure or laparotomy may be necessary.
If you’re unsure whether you might have an ectopic pregnancy, talk to your doctor to ensure you’ve got a healthy future.
