Dear Newborn Tips readers, in today’s article we will delve into everything related to ectopic pregnancy, a complex and potentially life-threatening event, a medical condition that affects approximately 2% of pregnant women. We will learn about causes, symptoms and diagnosis, risks, prevention and treatment.
Table of contents
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes, but can also occur in the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity.
It is important to note that this condition is potentially dangerous and requires prompt medical intervention, since an abnormal implantation occurs when the embryo implants in an unsuitable location, preventing normal development.
How to recognize an ectopic pregnancy: symptoms and diagnosis
It manifests itself with a series of symptoms, often subtle, that can vary from woman to woman.
The most common symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include:
Pelvic pain: a sudden, sharp pain, often localized on one side of the lower abdomen, that can be constant or intermittent.
Vaginal bleeding: can be light or heavy, bright red or dark red.
Breast tenderness: similar to that experienced during a normal pregnancy.
Dizziness (in some cases even fainting): caused by blood loss.
Shoulder pain: due to irritation of the diaphragm by blood that accumulates in the abdominal cavity.
The diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy is based on a careful evaluation of the patient’s medical history, a pelvic exam, a pregnancy test and a transvaginal ultrasound. The latter allows the embryo to be visualized outside the uterus and to determine the exact position of the ectopic pregnancy.
In some cases, it may be necessary to perform a blood test to measure the levels of beta-hCG (the pregnancy hormone) and to monitor its progress.
Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy and Risk Factors
The exact causes of ectopic pregnancy are not yet fully understood, but several factors are thought to be involved, including:
Fallopian tube infections: Such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can damage the tubes and make it difficult for a fertilized egg to pass through.
Previous pelvic surgery: Surgery on the uterus or fallopian tubes can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Endometriosis: A condition that causes uterine tissue to grow outside the uterus, which can affect the fallopian tubes.
Use of intrauterine devices (IUDs): Some types of IUDs can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Smoking: Cigarette smoking damages the fallopian tubes and increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Older age: Women over the age of 35 are at increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Patient History: Women who have had this type of pregnancy in the past are at a higher risk of having another high-risk pregnancy.
What are the risks of an ectopic pregnancy?
With an ectopic pregnancy, the risks can be significant and potentially life-threatening.
Here is a list of the main risks associated with this condition:
Fallopian tube rupture: If the embryo grows inside the tube, it can cause it to rupture, leading to severe internal bleeding.
Internal bleeding: A ruptured fallopian tube can cause a serious bleeding condition that, if left untreated, can be fatal.
Shock: Blood loss can lead to shock, a critical medical condition that requires immediate treatment.
Peritonitis: If the blood spreads into the abdominal cavity, it can cause a serious infection known as peritonitis.
Infertility: Ectopic pregnancies can damage the fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of infertility in future pregnancies.
Risk of future ectopic pregnancies: Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy have an increased risk of experiencing another, up to four times greater.
It is important to recognize the symptoms and seek prompt medical care if you suspect an ectopic pregnancy.
How long can an ectopic pregnancy go on?
An ectopic pregnancy can last up to eight weeks, but this carries significant risks. Here are some key points to consider:
Duration: In the fallopian tubes, the embryo can grow until the eighth week, but the walls of the tubes are not designed to support a pregnancy, which increases the risk of rupture.
Symptoms: Many women may have no symptoms at first, but as the ectopic pregnancy progresses, symptoms such as pelvic pain and bleeding may occur.
Risks: If left undiagnosed and untreated, this pregnancy can lead to serious complications, such as rupture of the tube and subsequent internal bleeding.
It is very important to monitor your symptoms and see a specialist if you suspect an ectopic pregnancy.
How is an ectopic pregnancy treated? Treatment
The treatment of an ectopic pregnancy depends on the location and size of the embryo, as well as the health of the patient. Treatment options include:
Drug treatment: In some cases, ectopic pregnancy can be treated with drugs such as methotrexate, which stops the growth of the embryo. This treatment is effective in early and small ectopic pregnancies.
Surgery: If drug therapy for an ectopic pregnancy is not effective or if the ectopic pregnancy is more advanced, surgery may be needed to remove the embryo and surrounding tissue.
Surgery can be performed using laparoscopy or laparotomy, depending on the location and size of the embryo.
How to prevent an ectopic pregnancy?
Although ectopic pregnancy cannot be completely prevented, certain behaviors can reduce the risk:
Prevent fallopian tube infections: Get regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and receive prompt treatment.
Avoid smoking: It is well known that smoking increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Use effective contraception: In order to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
How can you rule out an ectopic pregnancy?
This delicate pregnancy condition requires prompt treatment.
Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
If you suspect you have an ectopic pregnancy, it is important to seek immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
It is essential that women at risk are aware of the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and consult a doctor if they suspect this medical condition.
This article provides general information about ectopic pregnancy. For further clarification, it is important to consult a qualified healthcare provider.
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The Editorial Staff, NewbornTips
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