Ectopic Pregnancy: Signs & Actions to Take

Introduction

Most pregnancies begin when a fertilised egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterine cavity and develops within the uterus during pregnancy of 40 weeks (approximately 9 months). An ectopic pregnancy occurs in other locations such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, abdominal cavity, or cervix. Ectopic pregnancies can carry high risks of complications to the mother, and therefore, it is essential to know the risk factors and recognise the early signs of an ectopic pregnancy. If diagnosed and treated early, the likelihood of serious complications is reduced, and the mother's physical health will be maintained for potential subsequent pregnancies.

Signs of ectopic pregnancy

Early signs

Like any pregnancy, early signs of an ectopic pregnancy include:

Missed menstrual cycle and breast discomfort; however, some additional signs indicate the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy that should not be overlooked.

Other signs of ectopic pregnancy include:

• Light vaginal bleeding that is not normal for the woman's menstrual cycle
• Pain on one side of the abdomen or pelvis
• Tenderness of the breast.

Any of the possible symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy should be discussed with a physician if they occur.

Advanced symptoms of Ectopic pregnancy

Unfortunately, if the ectopic pregnancy has continued, the condition has progressed, and there may be some type of severe medical issue developing.

Severe abnormal pain that develops suddenly and may go away is usually the first indicator and warning sign of ectopic pregnancy.

For many women, this severe abnormal pain is frequently accompanied by sharp pains in the shoulder or neck from referred internal bleeding, which typically occurs very quickly and becomes very severe. This pain may not go away with rest or changing position; it will continue until either the developing pregnancy stops or the woman receives medical attention.

Signs of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy

The rupture of an ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilised egg has implanted in the fallopian tube, causing the tube to tear open. When the ectopic pregnancy ruptures, this can result in major internal bleeding, which could be life-threatening and must be addressed immediately. Knowledge of the signs associated with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy will allow for quicker access to treatment.

• Sudden and severe pain in your abdomen.
• Excessive blood loss.
• Feeling faint, dizzy, or experiencing shock.

Causes and Risk Factors for Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancies are most commonly caused by either a structural or functional problem with the fallopian tube, which is usually due to scarring from previous infections or surgeries. Among other things, hormonal imbalances, abnormalities of the embryo or fetus, smoking, prior ectopic pregnancies, endometriosis, etc., also contribute to ectopic pregnancies.

Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include:

There are many risk factors for ectopic pregnancy, including pelvic inflammatory disease, history of ectopic pregnancy, tubal surgery for any reason, fertility treatment, or advanced maternal age when using specific types of contraceptives, and a congenital defect.

Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy

The diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy begins with a medical history and physical examination, followed by diagnostic testing.

• In many cases, these may include: pelvic ultrasound, blood tests for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and, in some cases, diagnostic laparoscopy.
• The primary imaging test that physicians use to determine if you may have an ectopic pregnancy is a pelvic ultrasound, since it provides direct visualisation of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and any ectopic pregnancy outside the uterus.
• Many providers prefer transvaginal ultrasound for its higher resolution and detail.

Treatment for Ectopic Pregnancy

The best approach for the treatment of an ectopic pregnancy can vary from woman to woman based on the following factors: the size and location of the ectopic pregnancy; whether the woman is in overall good physical health; and whether there are any complications due to the ectopic pregnancy.

Options for treatment include using medication that will destroy the tissue of the ectopic pregnancy or performing a surgical procedure to remove the ectopic pregnancy.

In some instances, the use of medicine to treat an ectopic pregnancy may be successful when certain conditions are present, such as when the pregnancy is small, no signs of rupture exist, and the fallopian tube remains intact. Women should be monitored closely following medication administration to determine if the medicine is working or not.

Surgery is required when the fallopian tube gets ruptured, severe bleeding occurs, the patient is unstable, or is unable to take medications. Laparoscopy and laparotomy are the surgical approaches that may be used, depending on each woman’s unique circumstances.

Following the treatment of an ectopic pregnancy, follow-up visits are essential to determine the woman’s recovery, obtain an updated assessment of hCG levels, confirm complete resolution of the ectopic pregnancy, and discuss any implications for future fertility.

Conclusion

An ectopic pregnancy is both a life-threatening and a treatable condition. Early diagnosis and treatment can potentially save your life and may improve the chances of having healthy pregnancies and births in the future. It's important that you understand potential risks for an ectopic pregnancy so you understand the potential impact on future fertility if you are diagnosed with it.