Ectopic Pregnancy


Description

Fertilized eggs are the first step in pregnancy. The fertilized egg normally adheres to the uterine lining. When a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus's main cavity, an ectopic pregnancy result.

Most frequently, a fallopian tube, which transmits eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, is the site of an ectopic pregnancy. A tubal pregnancy is the name given to this kind of ectopic pregnancy. Other parts of the body, like the ovary, abdominal cavity, or the lower part of the uterus (cervix), which is connected to the vagina, might occasionally have an ectopic pregnancy.

A pregnancy that is ectopic cannot develop properly. If left untreated, the fertilized egg cannot survive, and the developing tissue may result in life-threatening hemorrhage

Symptoms

An ectopic pregnancy initially may resemble a regular pregnancy and exhibit some of the same symptoms, such as a missing period, sore breasts, or an upset stomach. Additional indications could be :

Unexpected vaginal bleeding
A low backache
Mild abdominal or pelvic pain
Mild pelvic discomfort on one side
More severe symptoms could appear as an ectopic pregnancy progresses, particularly if a fallopian tube got ruptured. The following are examples of symptoms :

Sudden, excruciating abdominal or pelvic discomfort.
Shoulders aches.
Feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint
If you have any of these symptoms visit a Gynaecologist to be diagnosed and treated properly.


Causes

An ectopic pregnancy sometimes has an unknown reason. The following conditions have occasionally been connected to an ectopic pregnancy :

Inflamed or scarred fallopian tubes as a result of past illnesses, infections, or surgeries.
Hormonal influences
Birth flaws
Medical diseases that have an impact on the reproductive organs' form and condition

Diagnostics

Pregnancy test : to confirm pregnancy.
Pelvic exam : to find regions of pain, sensitivity, or a lump in the ovary or fallopian tube.
Ultrasound : to spot the site where pregnancy occur.
Other blood tests : to check for anemia.


Treatment

As an ectopic pregnancy cannot be transferred to the uterus, therapy is usually necessary. An ectopic pregnancy can be treated with either medication or surgery. Each therapy is followed up with for a few weeks.

Medical treatment
Methotrexate : causing pregnancy to end if this pregnancy did not cause fallopian tubes to rupture.
Surgical procedures
Laparoscopy : if the fallopian tube has ruptured where the pregnancy alongside the tube is being removed. Sometimes, surgeries are needed even if the fallopian tube is still intact.

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