Ectopic Pregnancy - How To Deal With It?

Pregnancy is the most important and happiest time of a woman’s life. Yet, there may be many conditions where this time can be marred with complications which may even lead to the possible termination of the pregnancy. A situation like an ectopic pregnancy can turn out to be a fatal situation where termination of the pregnancy is the only way out. So let us find out more about this kind of pregnancy.

Definition: By definition, an ectopic pregnancy is one where the fertilised egg does not implant itself in the main uterine cavity. This can lead to several complications and symptoms. This implantation may get stuck in the fallopian tubes from where the fertilised egg is supposed to travel into the uterine cavity or the womb where it attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. This kind of pregnancy is also known as a tubal pregnancy.

Symptoms: Initially, there may not be any signs and symptoms of this kind of pregnancy. A missed period and tenderness, as well as some amount of nausea, will be normal symptoms that one feels in any case, during any other kind of pregnancy as well. These symptoms can be reported to a doctor and one can even go through a pregnancy test, which will show a positive result in case the symptoms are due to pregnancy. Yet, this kind of pregnancy cannot progress as a normal pregnancy under any circumstances. The main symptoms will start to show up in the form of aches and pains in the abdomen region as well as light vaginal bleeding, which should be reported to a doctor on an immediate and urgent basis. Changes in the bowel movements and pain in the shoulder due to blood leakage from the fallopian tubes are also some symptoms of this kind of pregnancy.

Risk factors: When there is an infection that stops the travel of the egg all the way through the fallopian as well as inflammation and other fertility issues, then the lady is susceptible to this kind of pregnancy. The choice of contraceptive can also sometimes lead to this kind of pregnancy as an IUD device may lead to the blockage of the fertilised egg as well.

Treatment: Usually, early detection and treatment of this kind of pregnancy can help in guaranteeing that the future pregnancies will be safe and normal. To begin with, the doctor will carry out various tests and an ultrasound to find out whether or not it an ectopic pregnancy. If the egg is found outside the uterus, it cannot develop in a normal manner. Usually, a small laparoscopic procedure is carried out in order to terminate the pregnancy and remove the egg which is stuck, even as your HCG level is monitored. In some cases, if damage to the tube is widespread, it may also have to be removed.