Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy
At a Glance: A fertilized egg can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. This condition should be taken seriously as it has the potential to be life-threatening. Although symptoms such as abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and shoulder pain are frequently experienced, they may not always occur simultaneously or in the same way. Timely diagnosis and swift treatment with medication or surgery are essential to avoid potential complications such as internal bleeding and rupture. Keep in mind, an ectopic pregnancy is unable to develop into a healthy baby. If you suspect you may have one, promptly seek medical attention.
Reviewed by Internal Psychologist and General Physician
Introduction
Pregnancy usually begins with the fertilization of an egg that attaches to the lining of the uterus.
However, in some cases, a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, leading to an ectopic pregnancy.
This type of pregnancy cannot proceed normally and can pose serious health risks. The fertilized egg cannot survive and the growing tissue can cause life-threatening bleeding if not treated.
In this blog, we will explore the meaning of ectopic pregnancy, including its causes, symptoms, risks, and treatment.
Understanding this medical condition is crucial for ensuring timely medical intervention and safeguarding the health of those affected.
What is Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is a serious medical condition that occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside of the uterus.
This type of pregnancy commonly occurs in the fallopian tube, which transports eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
It can also occur in other areas, such as the ovary, abdominal cavity, or lower part of the uterus.
This is different from a normal pregnancy, where the fertilized egg implants and develops inside the uterus.
Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening, particularly if the fallopian tube ruptures.
This condition, known as a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, can lead to significant bleeding, infection, and, in some cases, death.
It constitutes a medical emergency, necessitating prompt treatment by healthcare providers.
Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy
The early symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can closely resemble normal pregnancy symptoms.
Yet, during an ectopic pregnancy, you might also experience extra symptoms such as:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pain in your lower abdomen, pelvis, and lower back
- Dizziness or weakness
If your fallopian tube ruptures, the pain and bleeding could be severe enough to cause additional symptoms.
These may include:
- Fainting
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Shoulder pain
- Rectal pressure or bowel problems
When a fallopian tube bursts, you may feel sharp lower abdominal pain. This is a medical emergency.
You should contact your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg is unable to move down the fallopian tube quickly enough.
An infection or inflammation, frequently as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can lead to a partial or complete blockage in the tube, which can cause ectopic pregnancy.
Endometriosis is another common cause of blocked tubes, where cells from the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus and inside the fallopian tube, causing blockages.
Scar tissue from previous abdominal or fallopian tube surgery can also lead to blocked tubes.
Although any pregnancy can be ectopic, certain factors that increase the chances of it include:
- being over 35 years of age
- having previous infections or operations in the pelvic area
- having endometriosis
- assisted reproductive methods like in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- smoking
- having a history of inflammation or abnormally shaped fallopian tubes
- experiencing fertility problems
How Ectopic Pregnancy is Diagnosed?
Many women are unaware of the fact that they have an ectopic pregnancy until they visit their prenatal care provider for blood tests or an ultrasound.
A gynecologist may suspect an ectopic pregnancy based on symptoms, such as pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
To diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, your doctor will perform several tests, including a pelvic exam and confirmation of pregnancy.
These tests may help determine if the pregnancy is located outside the uterus.
A urine test: This test involves providing a urine sample by either peeing on a test strip or into a cup at your provider's office. A test strip is then dipped into the urine sample for testing.
A blood test: Your doctor may test your blood to see how much of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in your body. Your body only makes HCG during pregnancy. A low amount may indicate an ectopic pregnancy because HCG levels increase dramatically when a fertilised egg implants in your uterus.
An ultrasound exam: An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of the internal structures of your body. Your doctor will use this test to locate where the fertilized egg has implanted.
Treatments Options
Ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening as it cannot proceed to full-term.
So as soon as you notice anything abnormal in your pregnancy, it is advisable to meet the doctor immediately.
If the fallopian tube has not ruptured, treatment includes:
- Surgical intervention
- Medication to end the pregnancy, with close monitoring by your doctor
However, if the fallopian tube ruptures, it is a medical emergency, and you will need immediate medical attention.
Is Etopic Pregnancy Preventable?
There is no way to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but there are ways to reduce your risk:
Limiting the number of sexual partners and using a condom during sex can help prevent sexually transmitted infections and may reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.
Do not smoke. If you do, quit before attempting to get pregnant.
Conclusion
Ectopic pregnancy is a critical condition that needs immediate medical attention.
Knowing its symptoms and risk factors can assist in early detection and treatment, increasing the chances of maintaining the individual's health and fertility.
If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy or experience worrying symptoms, please seek medical assistance promptly.
With timely intervention, the related risks can be minimized, supporting better outcomes for both physical health and emotional well-being.
While ectopic pregnancies can be concerning, many women who have had ectopic pregnancies can still have successful pregnancies in the future with proper medical care.
FAQs
Can my pregnancy continue after an ectopic pregnancy?
Unfortunately, in ectopic pregnancy, the fetus cannot survive and the pregnancy cannot continue. When an egg attaches outside the uterus, it cannot be moved back into the uterus. It is important to get prompt treatment for an ectopic pregnancy. If the egg is attached to the fallopian tube and the tube ruptures, it can lead to severe internal bleeding.
How soon would you know if you had an ectopic pregnancy?
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy typically appear between the 4th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. Some women may not initially experience any symptoms and only discover the ectopic pregnancy through an early scan or when more severe symptoms arise later on.
Can you still feel pregnant after an ectopic pregnancy?
It can take time for the level of hCG in your body to lower after treatment for an ectopic pregnancy. You may continue to feel pregnant for a while. It may take a few cycles of your period to return to normal.
What about future pregnancies after an ectopic pregnancy?
Most women who have experienced an ectopic pregnancy can still have normal pregnancies in the future. However, having had one ectopic pregnancy does increase the risk of experiencing another one.
Can ectopic pregnancy reach 3 months?
It is very rare for an ectopic pregnancy to continue into the second trimester without any symptoms. Detecting the ectopic pregnancy during the first trimester can prevent rupture and potential risks to the mother's health.
References
- Cleveland Clinic (2023). Ectopic Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments. Available at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9687-ectopic-pregnancy (Accessed 10/01/2024).
- WebMD (2023) Ectopic Pregnancy: What to Know. Available at https://www.webmd.com/baby/pregnancy-ectopic-pregnancy (Accessed 10/01/2024).
- Healthline (2023). Ectopic Pregnancy. Available at https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/ectopic-pregnancy (Accessed 10/01/2024)
- NHS (2022). Ectopic Pregnancy. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/ (Accessed 10/01/2024).
- National Library of Medicine (2023). Ectopic Pregnancy. Panelli DM, Phillips CH, Brady PC. Incidence, diagnosis and management of tubal and nontubal ectopic pregnancies: a review. Fertil Res Pract. 2015;1:15. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Reference list]. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539860/ (Accessed 10/01/2024).
- Mayo Clinic (2022). Ectopic Pregnancy - Symptoms and Causes. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088 (Accessed 10/01/2024).
