Ectopic pregnancy: All the information you need
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
A pregnant woman's body has to go through several stages. From fertilization to delivery. One of these stages is called implantation. This is when a fertilized egg travels to the uterus to attach itself. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg does not attach to the uterus. Instead, it attaches to the fallopian tube, the abdominal cavity. Getting a pregnancy test shows that the woman is pregnant, but a pregnancy test alone cannot tell if it is an ectopic pregnancy. A fertilized egg cannot develop properly anywhere other than the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy cannot proceed normally, and the fertilized egg cannot survive. If the fetus isn't removed on time, it can cause so many health complications.
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Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy
There are no symptoms at the beginning of an ectopic pregnancy. Women with an ectopic pregnancy will have the same symptoms as normal Pregnancy, such as a missed period, tenderness in the breasts and nausea.
As the fertilized egg grows in another place, the symptoms become noticeable. Symptoms like:
vaginal bleeding and pain in the pelvic area. If there is bleeding from the fallopian tubes, there may be pain in the shoulder or the urge to pass stools. Apart from this, some other symptoms may also be seen. If the fallopian tube burst because of the overgrowth of the fetus, the patient will be rushed to the emergency room.
Causes
The cause of an ectopic pregnancy is not always clear. In some cases, an ectopic pregnancy is caused by swelling and scarring of the fallopian tube from a previous medical condition, some might be because of genetic abnormalities. If there is an issue with the chromosomes, it might lead to an ectopic pregnancy. Birth control and Plan B pills can also lead to an ectopic pregnancy.
Risk factors
Previous ectopic pregnancy:-If this type of pregnancy has happened before, then the chances of having an ectopic pregnancy for the second time are more.
Infection:- Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, or swelling of the tubes and other nearby organs may increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Fertility Treatment:- Some research suggests that women who take In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or similar treatments have the chances of having an ectopic pregnancy are high.
Tube surgery:- Surgery to repair closed or damaged fallopian tubes may increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Birth Control:- The chances of getting pregnant when using an intrauterine device (IUD) are slim. However, if any woman gets pregnant with an IUD, the chances of it being an ectopic pregnancy are high. Tube Ligation is a permanent birth control that constricts the tube, also increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Smoking:- Smoking cigarettes just before pregnancy can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Diagnosis
For a doctor give a proper diagnosis, he or she has to:
Examine the pelvic floor to identify pain, tenderness, or mass in the fallopian tubes or ovaries.
Ultrasound :- A transvaginal tube ultrasound allows you to see the exact location of the pregnancy. The device will be inserted into the vagina. The device which uses sound waves to create an image of the uterus, ovary and fallopian tubes.
Why choose cicle ?
We at Cicle can help with the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy. All you have to do is contact our health coach and an appointment with a doctor will be made. To book an appointment with a doctor, click here
Frequently asked questions
Can ectopic pregnancy kill a woman?
Yes, if the embryo of ectopic pregnancy is not removed on time, then the woman may die due to bleeding.
How long should a woman wait before trying to get pregnant again?
Doctors recommend waiting for at least three months before trying for a baby.
Can the baby be saved in an ectopic pregnancy?
No, the fetus cannot be saved in an ectopic pregnancy because there is enough space for the fetus to develop.
Conclusion
Ectopic pregnancy is different from a normal pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg gets implanted out of the cavity of the uterus instead of the right place, while the fertilized egg must enter the uterus or be implanted. Being in the wrong place can cause health hazards. Implantation in the wrong place instead of the designated place of pregnancy can cause internal bleeding, which can also be life-threatening. Therefore, to confirm the pregnancy, all the necessary tests should be done, so that ectopic pregnancy can be detected at the very beginning. As soon as possible, it should be treated with medicines and surgery. Contact our doctor immediately if you have pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding or bleeding other than the date of your period. At Cicle we thoroughly examine your health and provide treatment based on the condition and your preference.
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