Signs & Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy, also known as tubal pregnancy is one of the complications that can go wrong when a woman gets pregnant. This is especially possible if it is your first time to get pregnant, and having enough information about it could help you understand how this happens and cope with the loss of your baby.
Ectopic Pregnancy: What It Is
When an egg meets the sperm and fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg is supposed to travel all the way through the fallopian tubes to the uterus where it will begin to grow into a fetus. Somewhere during the trip, the fertilized egg may not reach the uterus and starts to develop in a spot other than the uterus, like the fallopian tubes, cervix, or ovaries. Typically, ectopic pregnancy happens in the fallopian tubes and this is a complication usually ending up in the loss of pregnancy.
A fertilized egg needs the environment of the uterus develop and sustain its growth. If the fertilized egg stays in the fallopian tubes, it cannot provide the necessary space or nutrients to accommodate a growing fetus. As the egg develops, it will outgrow the limited space and in the most serious of cases, will result in rupturing the fallopian tubes or the organ it has settled into.
A tubal pregnancy is dangerous because it can damage your reproductive organs and you may find it more difficult to get pregnant again in the future. Women who have ectopic pregnancies should immediately get medical assistance and treatment because this is life threatening. It causes internal bleeding and other complications may arise.
Warning Signs Of Ectopic Pregnancy
How can you detect if yours is an ectopic pregnancy? This is a dangerous condition if left untreated so you need to watch out for warnings so you will get immediate treatment. One of the warning signals of ectopic pregnancy that you should watch out for is vaginal bleeding or discharge with blood. Light bleeding or spotting during pregnancy may be normal but excessive bleeding just like when you have a regular period occurs, it is serious.
Ectopic pregnancies are usually detected and diagnosed only when the onset of severe pain attacks. The sharp and possibly stabbing pain may start in the pelvic region or abdomen, and sometimes, the shoulder and neck. Early pregnancy is not painful so if you feel pain, pay attention to it. Severe fatigue and nausea are also signs of ectopic pregnancy that you have to watch out for.
Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy
Several factors could cause the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy but most typically, it is caused by damage or blockage to the fallopian tubes which denies the fertilized egg passage to the uterus. This could be the result of infection, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), scar tissues or congenital defects.
Women who have a history of ectopic pregnancies are prone to have it again in the future. Other women who face the risk of ectopic pregnancy are those who had previous fallopian tube surgeries, those who used some birth control including IUDs, pills and oral contraceptives that only contains progesterone.
Diagnosis
If you are experiencing the signs of pregnancy, you need to have a proper diagnosis by a doctor or obstetrician to reduce the amount of damage to your reproductive organs so you can get pregnant again in the future. Your doctor will first confirm the pregnancy, and then perform an abdominal and pelvic exam to examine your uterus and cervix. The ultrasound is the best equipment which will provide a final diagnosis and find the location of your ectopic pregnancy.
Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a complication that must end in the termination of the life of your baby to save your life. There is no choice because if left untreated, your fallopian tube or the organ where the fertilized egg attached itself will rupture and cause severe bleeding, which can result in death.
If the ectopic pregnancy is still in its early stage, and the location is not that complicated, the egg can be removed non-surgically. A drug can be injected which dissolves the egg and it will be absorbed by the body. However, if the ectopic pregnancy is in an advanced state, the doctor may have to resort to a surgical treatment. This could be through laparoscopy surgery or through a major abdominal surgery. In severe cases, the fallopian tube may have to be removed or repaired along with the embryo. It is important that all tissue related to the pregnancy should be removed or this may result to severe infection.
There Is Still A Chance
Statistics show that there is a higher rate or 15 percent rate of recurrence for women who have experienced ectopic pregnancy. Of the women who suffered ectopic pregnancy, about 30 percent of this will struggle with infertility but there is a 60 percent chance at having a successful pregnancy in the future. This is a glimmer of hope for the women who experienced ectopic pregnancy.
A tubal pregnancy is a form of miscarriage and this can be heartbreaking for a woman who is longing to have a child of her own. Getting a proper medical treatment at the right time can help you save your reproductive organs and you can be pregnant again in the future. It is important that you watch out for the warning signs before it will be too late.
Can feeling sharp abdominal pain only 4 days after your missed period be a sign of ectopic pregnancy? On average it’s probably a 5/10 pain but can get up at a 7 or 8. I’m also extremely fatigued and nauseous (I have positive pregnant test just so you know