AVOID ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

Ectopic pregnancy, also known as tubal pregnancy, is a complication of pregnancy in which the embryo attaches outside the uterus. Almost all ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube.The fallopian tubes are not designed to hold a growing embryo; thus, the fertilized egg in a tubal pregnancy cannot develop properly and must be treated. An ectopic pregnancy happens in 1 out of 50 pregnancies.

CAUSES:

An infection or inflammation of the fallopian tube can make it to become partially or entirely blocked.

Previous infection or a surgical procedure on the tube may also impede the egg’s movement.

Previous surgery in the pelvic area or on the tubes can cause adhesions.

Abnormal growths or a birth defect can result in an abnormality in the tube’s shape.

CHANCES:

Maternal age of 35-44 years

If you have had a previous experience of ectopic pregnancy

Previous pelvic or abdominal surgery

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

If you have had several induced abortions

Conceiving after having a tubal ligation or while an IUD is in place

Smoking

Endometriosis

One who is undergoing fertility treatments or using fertility medications

SYMPTOMS:

Although you may experience typical signs and symptoms of pregnancy, the following symptoms may be used to help recognize a potential ectopic pregnancy:

Sharp pain that may come and go and vary in intensity. (The pain may be in the pelvis, abdomen, or even the shoulder and neck due to blood from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy gathering up under the diaphragm).

Vaginal bleeding, heavier or lighter than your normal period

Gastrointestinal symptoms

Weakness, dizziness, or fainting

It is important to contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing sharp pain that lasts more than a few minutes or if you have bleeding.

DIAGNOSIS:

Your physician will have to perform a pelvic examination to locate pain, tenderness, or a mass in the abdomen. Your physician will also use an ultrasound to determine whether the uterus contains a developing fetus. The measurement of hCG levels is also important.

Progesterone levels are also checked because low levels could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. In addition, your physician may do a culdocentesis, which is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into a space at the very top of the vagina, behind the uterus and in front of the rectum. The presence of blood in this area may indicate bleeding from a ruptured fallopian tube.

TREATMENT:

An ectopic pregnancy may be treated in any of the following ways:

Methotrexate may be given, which allows the body to absorb the pregnancy tissue and may save the fallopian tube, depending on how far the pregnancy has progressed.

If the tube has become stretched or has ruptured and started bleeding, part or all of it may have to be removed. In this case, bleeding needs to be stopped promptly, and emergency surgery is necessary.

Laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia may be performed. This procedure involves a surgeon using a laparoscope to remove the ectopic pregnancy and repair or remove the affected fallopian tube. If the ectopic pregnancy cannot be removed by a laparoscopically, another surgical procedure called a laparotomy may be done.

For future purposes, your hCG level will need to be rechecked on a regular basis until it reaches zero if you did not have your entire fallopian tube removed.  An hCG level that remains high could indicate that the ectopic tissue was not entirely removed, which would require surgery or medical management with methotrexate.

The chances of having a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy may be reduced, but this will depend on why the pregnancy was ectopic and your medical history. If the fallopian tubes have been left in place, you have approximately a 60% chance of having a successful pregnancy in the future.