The normal course of pregnancy begins when the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the mother's uterus. However, the fertilized egg does not attach to the uterine wall in an ectopic pregnancy. But it sticks to the fallopian tube, the abdominal cavity, or the cervix. Check out the following article for an explanation of ectopic pregnancy, ladies!
Definition of Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy disorder characterized by a fertilized egg attaching to and growing outside of a woman's uterine wall. While it will give a positive result on a pregnancy test, the embryo cannot grow properly other than in the womb.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AFFP), ectopic pregnancies occur every 1 in 50. An ectopic pregnancy that goes unchecked can become a medical emergency, the embryo will not survive, and the growing tissue can cause bleeding that can be life-threatening to the mother. Prompt treatment can reduce the risk of complications, increase the chance of a healthy pregnancy, and reduce health problems in the future.
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy
A person with an ectopic pregnancy may not immediately realize the condition that has happened to them. However, some women with an ectopic pregnancy will show typical early pregnancy symptoms such as missed periods and vomiting.
However, as the embryo grows in the wrong place, the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy will become more and more palpable, such as:
- Sharp waves of pain in the abdomen, pelvis, shoulders, or neck.
- Light to heavy bleeding from the vagina.
- Dizziness.
- If the embryo continues to grow, a misplaced embryo can cause the fallopian tube to rupture.
Bleeding from the vagina is one of the most common symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.
Causes of ectopic pregnancy
Although the cause is not always clear, the following conditions are commonly associated with an ectopic pregnancy:
- Inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes from previous medical conditions, infections, or surgery.
- Hormonal factor.
- Genetic abnormalities.
- Medical conditions affect the shape and condition of the fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs.
Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy
The following are some things that can increase a person's risk of ectopic pregnancy:
- Someone who has experienced a pregnancy with this condition is more likely to experience it again.
- Sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes and other organs, increasing the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
- Several studies have shown that women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy.
- The chance of someone getting pregnant using an intrauterine device (IUD) is very small. However, if this scenario occurs, the pregnancy is more likely to be ectopic.
- Having a smoking habit before pregnancy can also increase your risk of this condition.
Treatment of ectopic pregnancy can be done through medications and surgery.
Ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous condition for the mother. In addition, an embryo that is out of place will not grow and develop properly. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the embryo as soon as possible to ensure the health and fertility of the mother. The management and treatment of ectopic pregnancies vary depending on the location of the embryo and its development.
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References
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022). Ectopic pregnancy. [online]. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
Selner, M., & Wilson, D., R. (2018). Ectopic pregnancy. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/ectopic-pregnancy