Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic Pregnancy

In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus. It can be anywhere else in the belly – the fallopian tube, cervix, or abdominal cavity. 

Usually, in a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg gets attached to the uterus lining and grows inside of it. A fertilized egg can’t grow healthily anywhere other than your uterus. As such, an ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening risk if go undiagnosed.

Possible Causes

The exact reason for an ectopic pregnancy is still not clear. However, the following conditions may have a direct relation to an ectopic pregnancy.

• Genetic abnormalities
• Hormonal factors
• Scarring or inflammation of the fallopian tube from previous surgery, infection, or medical condition.
• Birth defects
• Medical conditions that negatively affect the condition and shape of the reproductive organs and fallopian tubes.

Each case of an ectopic pregnancy might be more subjective than you think. This is why getting consultation from a certified obstetrics and gynaecology clinic is recommended. A doctor can give you detailed and specific information about your condition.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for ectopic pregnancy are:

• Prior fallopian tube surgery
• Previous ectopic pregnancy
• Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Previous pelvic or abdominal surgery
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Age older than 35
• Endometriosis
• Cigarette smoking
• History of infertility
• Articifial insemination
• IVF

Signs and Symptoms

It can be difficult to understand the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy in certain cases since symptoms such as breast soreness and nausea are common in both ectopic and normal pregnancies. Therefore, constant check-ups with a gynaecologist are recommended.

Other than that, some of the most notable symptoms that should warn you about an ectopic pregnancy are as follows.

• Fainting or dizziness
• Rectal pressure
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding
• Pain in one side of the abdomen
• Sharp waves of pain in the neck, shoulder, pelvis, and abdomen.

Diagnosis

Physical exams can’t diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. This is why a transvaginal ultrasound is recommended. In this case, a wand-like instrument is inserted into the vagina to determine whether the gestational sac is in the uterus or not.

Blood tests can also help determine ectopic pregnancy since they help check the levels of hormones progesterone and hCG.

Treatment Options at 7DMC

In the past couple of years, 7DMC has established itself as one of the most reputed medical institutes in the Middle East. Among the various department that it provides exemplary services in is the gynaecology department.

Since ectopic pregnancy is pretty common and is extremely devastating, it needs proper treatment under the supervision of trained professionals.

Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be prescribed medications that would stop the production of rapidly dividing cells. Else, you might have to undergo surgery. It should be noted that following the medication; you would be unable to get pregnant for months. However, it runs a lesser risk of damage to your fallopian tubes than with surgery.

You shouldn’t risk opting for treatment for this severe medical condition at any random or untrusted source. Your future depends on it. Thus, make an appointment with the gynaecologists here, consult with them regarding your situation, and act accordingly.

Ensure that you consult with your doctor regarding the after-care things you need to do at home to recover fast and well.