Learning about pregnancy is always important for women. Understanding both good and bad events that will happen during pregnancy will help you a lot. Some very dangerous and undesirable situations may occur. An ectopic pregnancy is one of those situations. You will need to notice the signs of this pregnancy complication to get treated promptly and protect your health. Let’s check out things you should know about ectopic pregnancy
What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants in a place other than the uterus. In most cases, the eggs often implant in the fallopian tubes, so they are also referred to as fallopian pregnancy. Fallopian tubes are not suitable for nourishing embryos. Therefore, your baby cannot develop properly and you will need treatment. The eggs implant in the abdomen in some rare cases.
This kind of pregnancy complication is quite popular. According to the March of Dimes, one in every 50 women has an ectopic pregnancy. Researches show that up to 16% of pregnant women who go to an emergency department in their first trimester due to bleeding, pain or both have an ectopic pregnancy.
Signs Of Ectopic Pregnancy
The following abnormal symptoms can help you realize an ectopic pregnancy:
– Severe throbbing pain and change in intensity. The pain may be in the pelvis, abdomen, or even the shoulder and neck due to a hematoma below the diaphragm. If the pain lasts for several minutes or you start bleeding, you should see a doctor immediately for prompt treatment
– Vaginal bleeding. The bleeding may be heavier or lighter than normal menstruation. In this case, the blood is usually dark and may include small clots.
– Symptoms related to digestive system such as constipation, fatigue, pale skin
– You may experience exhaustion, dizziness, and fainting
– The concentration of HCG in your blood decreases: If you are having a normal pregnancy, the amount of HCG will gradually increase as your baby grow. If the level of HCG rises slowly or stops, it may be a warning sign.
Causes Of Ectopic Pregnancy
In most cases, an ectopic pregnancy is caused by an infection or inflammation on the surface of the fallopian tubes. It will partially or completely block the fallopian tubes.
Another common cause is the scars from surgical procedures. Surgery in the pelvis or on the fallopian causes the fallopian tubes to stick and interfere with the movement of the egg.-.
Abnormal birth defects may also result in abnormalities in the shape of fallopian tubes which lead to ectopic pregnancy
The Risk Factors
There are several risk factors for ectopic pregnancy that may make your risk higher than usual. Some of those factors are:
– Being older than 35. Researches show that women who are 35-44 years old are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy
– History of ectopic pregnancy. If you have had an ectopic pregnancy before, the chance that your next pregnancy will have this kind of complication is 15%
– Did pelvic or abdominal surgery
– Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
– Having had a previous abortion
– Getting pregnant after having a tubal ligation.
– Getting pregnant when using an IUD
– Smoking. The risk of ectopic pregnancy is up to 20 times higher in women who smoke.
– Problems getting pregnant or fertility treatments. If you have a history of infertility, you will have a greater risk.
What You Should Do When You See the Signs
If you notice the signs of an ectopic pregnancy, you should visit your doctor immediately. The doctor will examine your pelvis to determine the location of the pain. Ultrasound will be used to determine if the uterus contains an embryo. Measuring HCG levels is also important. If your HCG levels are lower than expected, it may be an indication of ectopic pregnancy.
Depending on the progression of ectopic pregnancy, the doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment. In most cases, the embryo in that abnormal position will have to be removed as soon as possible to avoid affecting the health of the mother.
After treatment, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy can later be reduced. However, if the fallopian tubes are not affected, you still have many chances to have a baby in the future.
Now you have the things you should know about ectopic pregnancy. This pregnancy complication is dangerous if the pregnant mother is not treated promptly. You should be aware of the signs of an ectopic pregnancy. We wish you always to have a healthy pregnancy!