Ectopic pregnancy

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy develops somewhere other than the uterus, most frequently in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies are uncommon but dangerous, and they require medical attention. A fertilized egg passes through your fallopian tube and attaches to the lining of your uterus throughout the development of a normal pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy, often known as "tubal pregnancy," occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to another part of your body, typically in your fallopian tube.On your ovary or in another part of your abdomen. Ectopic pregnancies are uncommon; just 2 out of every 80 pregnancies result in them. But if left untreated, they pose a serious threat. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy is the medical term for fallopian tubes that have been overstretched by an expanding pregnancy. This may result in an infection, internal bleeding, or even death in some situations.

SYMPTOMS

It's possible that an ectopic pregnancy won't always show signs and won't be found until a normal prenatal scan. If you do experience any symptoms, they usually start between the fourth and the twelfth week of pregnancy.

Symptoms may combine any of the following:

• A missing period
• Discomfort when urinating or pooing
• Bleeding or a brown watery discharge
• Ache at the tip of your shoulder

Unfortunately, some women who are experiencing bleeding from an ectopic pregnancy are unaware that they are experiencing these symptoms. The lady is frequently taken to an emergency room before their diagnosis is made until she exhibits shock-related symptoms, such as low blood pressure, a weak and quick pulse, pale skin, and confusion.

RISK FACTORS

History: Having experienced an ectopic pregnancy before is the biggest risk factor.

Abnormalities of the fallopian tubes: Any change to the Fallopian tubes' typical architecture can increase the likelihood of a tubal pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy in another organ.

Previous gynecological procedures: Previous Fallopian tube surgery, such as tubal sterilization or reconstructive procedures, can cause scarring and disturbance of the tubes' normal architecture, which raises the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

Age: Any woman, of any age, who is ovulating and having sexual activity with a male partner is at risk for developing an ectopic pregnancy. Ages 35 to 44 are when ectopic pregnancies are most likely to occur.

Pelvic inflammatory disease: Sexually transmitted organisms like Chlamydia or N. gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea, commonly cause pelvic infections. The chance of an ectopic pregnancy is increased by non-sexually transmitted germs, which can also lead to pelvic infections. By harming or blocking the Fallopian tubes, the infection results in an ectopic pregnancy.

Use of IUD: In women who utilize intrauterine devices (IUDs), about half of pregnancies will occur outside of the uterus. The total number of women getting pregnant while using IUDs is, however, incredibly small. As a result, there are extremely few ectopic pregnancies connected to IUDs generally.

Frequent visits to the hospital will increase the chances of an ectopic pregnancy being detected. If you have a missed period, go to the hospital to run the necessary pregnancy test. Scans are used to detect the presence of a ectopic pregnancy.