Ectopic Pregnancy
Supporting Women through Ectopic Pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube, posing a life-threatening situation due to the risk of bleeding. Ectopic pregnancies cannot progress and require urgent medical intervention to prevent complications and preserve the birth parent’s well-being. An ectopic pregnancy might occur in other body areas, like the ovary, abdominal cavity, or cervix (the lower part of the uterus). It is also known as Tubal pregnancy.
What are the Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy?
A tubal or ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg gets stuck to the uterus. This usually happens if the fallopian tube is damaged by inflammation or is out of shape. Hormonal imbalances or abnormal development of eggs can also contribute to the occurrence of ectopic pregnancies. Some of the factors that might be the cause of ectopic pregnancy are –
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Endometriosis
- Earlier fallopian tube surgery
- Earlier pelvic or abdominal surgery
- Previous ectopic pregnancy
Some of the lifestyle factors that contribute to the woman’s risk of ectopic pregnancy are –
- Smoking or chewing tobacco (the more you smoke, the higher the risk)
- Age older than 35 years
- Infertility history
- Use of IVF or other assisted reproductive technology
Although rare, there is a little possibility of becoming pregnant while using an intrauterine device (IUD). Though it is rare, it might also be a contributing cause of ectopic pregnancy. In addition, tubal ligation, a permanent method of birth control in which the tubes are tied up, might also cause ectopic pregnancy. Approximately half of all women who experience an ectopic pregnancy have unknown risk factors associated with the condition.
What are the Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?
You might not notice any symptoms at the initial stage. However, in rare cases, there are minor signs of ectopic surgery, including missed periods, breast tenderness, and nausea. These signs are similar to a normal pregnancy but might worsen with time, and ectopic pregnancy does not progress normally.
Early Signs of Ectopic Pregnancy
The first sign of ectopic pregnancy is vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. If the blood leaks from the fallopian tube, you might experience shoulder pain or an urge to have bowel movements. You might also feel weakness, dizziness, and hypotension. The symptoms are specific to where the blood collects and which nerves are inflamed or irritated.
Emergency Signs of Ectopic Pregnancy
If the fertilized eggs continue to grow in the fallopian tube, it might cause the tube to rupture. This will cause heavy bleeding inside the abdomen. Thus, you should contact your medical healthcare provider to avoid further damage.
Get a Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy at Women Hospital in Vizag
Once you start experiencing these complications and symptoms, visit our Best Gynecologists near me. They will conduct a pelvic examination to identify areas of pain, tenderness, or a mass buildup in the fallopian tube or ovary. However, a definitive diagnosis can only be made through comprehensive testing. Here are some of the tests doctors may request to determine the presence of ectopic pregnancy.
Pregnancy Test
You must do Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) to confirm your pregnancy. A higher level of HCG indicates you are pregnant. After five to six weeks, an ultrasound is done to confirm or rule out ectopic pregnancy. In addition, you might also have to conduct a urine test.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound allows you to see the exact location of the fetus. During the test, a wandlike device is placed into your vagina. It uses waves to create images of your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, which can be seen on the monitor nearby.
How is Ectopic Pregnancy Treated?
Once the ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, the doctor will share the treatment plan with you. Usually, the doctor prescribes some medications to treat the condition. But surgery is required in severe cases (when the fallopian tube is being ruptured).
The surgery is done through laparoscopy and is performed under general anesthesia. It uses a lightweight camera inserted through a small incision on the abdomen. The surgeon either removes the entire fallopian tube and the egg or only the egg.
Why Choose Giggles Hospitals?
Giggles Hospitals are top hospitals in India for Best hospital for Normal delivery, which aim to offer exceptional medical care and to treat conditions related to pregnancy. Giggles has a highly skilled team of doctors specialized in providing exceptional maternity care, particularly for high-risk pregnancies. They offer comprehensive support for conditions like gestational diabetes, advanced maternal age, and related concerns, ensuring the well-being of both you and your baby.
