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Ectopic pregnancy

Pregnancies that occur outside the uterus are called ectopic pregnancies. This almost always happens in the fallopian tube. For this reason, it is often called tubal pregnancy. In rare cases, it may occur in the ovary, cervix or mother  An ectopic pregnancy may occur in the abdomen.

Ectopic pregnancy
What Causes Ectopic Pregnancy?

A fertilized egg normally moves down the fallopian tube and into the uterus. However, if the tube is blocked, the egg may get stuck in the tube. This could be due to an infection or  adhesion. If the fertilized egg cannot reach the uterus, it begins to develop in the tube.

Who is at Risk of Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy is more common in the following situations:

  • People who have problems getting pregnant (infertility)

  • In those with endometriosis

  • If you have a sexually transmitted disease

  • In those who have had tubal surgery 

  • In IUD users

  • Those who have had a history of ectopic pregnancy in the past

  • When there is smoking

What are the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?

Women with an ectopic pregnancy may have irregular bleeding and pelvic or abdominal (abdominal) pain. The pain is usually only on one side. Symptoms usually appear 6 to 8 weeks after the last normal menstrual period. If the ectopic pregnancy is not in the fallopian tube, symptoms may appear later. Classic symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are:

  • stomach ache

  • menstrual delay

  • Vaginal bleeding unrelated to menstrual period

EctoHow Is Peak Pregnancy Diagnosed?

 The level of hCG hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the blood is checked. Again, as a basic review  will use ultrasound. In some cases, the healthcare  will use laparoscopy to diagnose and treat. This is a surgery that uses a lighted tube placed in your abdomen to check the inside of the pelvis. 

How is Ectopic Pregnancy Treated?

Ectopic pregnancy can be treated in various ways. This depends on whether the fallopian tube has ruptured, how far along the pregnancy is, and hormone levels. Treatments may include:

  • Allowing the ectopic pregnancy to heal and the body to resorb it. This is only for certain situations.

  • Using the medication methotrexate to prevent further pregnancy

  • Laparotomy to make a small opening in the fallopian tube and clean the tube  or  laparoscopy. In these two surgical procedures, the Surgeon  removes ectopic pregnancy material and sometimes the tube.

In rare cases, a larger incision in the abdomen may be necessary to remove an ectopic pregnancy or damaged fallopian tube.

What are the complications of ectopic pregnancy?

Once the embryo implants in the fallopian tube, it dies because it does not have enough room to grow or enough blood flow to keep it healthy.

The tube may cause some tissue to protrude or bleed. Some embryos continue to grow and may become large enough to rupture the fallopian tube. This can cause serious bleeding and shock.

Important Points About Ectopic Pregnancy
  • Pregnancies that occur outside the uterus are called ectopic pregnancies.

  • Women with ectopic pregnancy may have irregular bleeding and pelvic or abdominal pain, often on one side.

  • Symptoms most often appear 6 to 8 weeks after the last normal menstrual period.

  • Ectopic pregnancy can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on whether the fallopian tube has ruptured.

  • Do not ignore the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. If there is any bleeding or pain during pregnancy, your doctor  call.

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