All about Extrauterine Pregnancy or Ectopic Pregnancy
An Ectopic pregnancy, also known as Extrauterine pregnancy, means just what the name suggests. Usually the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, but in certain cases, when the fertilized egg implants itself and grows outside the uterus. In most cases, it grows in the fallopian tube. It is imperative to know and understand that ectopic pregnancy is a life threatening condition, and the chances of survival of the fetus is next to zero, and hence emergency treatment will be required.
According to AAFP(American Academy of Family Physicians), ectopic pregnancies occur in about 1 out of every 50 pregnancies.
Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy
The causes are not particularly defined and are unclear. However, there might be a few general causes like-
- Inflammation of the fallopian tube due to previous surgeries, infection or medical conditions.
- Genetic abnormality
- Hormonal imbalances/factors
- Birth Defects etc.
Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy
Few symptoms of both uterine and extrauterine pregnancies are common like nausea and soreness in breasts. However there are a few signs which should not be ignored. Here are a few signs to watch out for-
- Sharp pain in lower abdomen, pelvis and lower back.
- Dizziness or fainting
- Vaginal bleeding
- Rectal pressure
It is imperative to seek medical treatment immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
An ectopic pregnancy is fatal for the fetus and immediate treatment is required for the mother as it can prove fatal if the fallopian tubes burst. Excessive internal bleeding takes place which can put the mother’s life in danger.
Risk Factors in an ectopic pregnancy
There are certain risk factors which increase the chances of you having an Ectopic pregnancy. Women over 35 are more susceptible to this. The most common ones are listed below-
- A previous Ectopic pregnancy
- IVF (In vitro fertilization) treatment
- STI (Sexually transmitted infection)
- History of Infertility
- PID (Pelvic inflammatory disease), an infection that can cause scar tissue to form in your fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries and cervix.
- Fallopian tube surgery
- Endometriosis
- Smoking history
- Tubal Surgery ( Closed or damaged fallopian tube might cause an ectopic pregnancy)
How early an ectopic pregnancy can be detected?
An ectopic pregnancy can be detected quite early on, usually in the first trimester. It can be detected by the eighth week into pregnancy.
Treatment of Ectopic pregnancy
There are usually 2 ways to go about treating an ectopic pregnancy. It depends upon the development of the pregnancy and risks posed.
- Medication– If immediate complications are unlikely, the doctor can prescribe medication. In this case, your doctor can prescribe several medications that could keep the ectopic mass from bursting. According to the AAFP, one common medication for this is methotrexate (Rheumatrex).
Methotrexate is a drug that stops the growth of rapidly dividing cells, such as the cells of the ectopic mass. If you take this medication, your doctor will give it to you as an injection. You should also get regular blood tests to ensure that the drug is effective. When effective, the medication will cause symptoms that are similar to that of a miscarriage, which includes bleeding, cramping and passage of tissue. However the downside to this is you won’t be able to get pregnant for several months after this.
- Surgery– Most of the time doctors perform a surgery called Laparotomy, which is a process where your doctor will insert a small camera through a small incision to make sure they can see their work. The surgeon then removes the embryo and repairs any damage to the fallopian tube.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Can I get pregnant again after an ectopic pregnancy?
Barring any complications, most women go on to have a successful pregnancy after an ectopic one. Even though the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy is higher, talking to your gynecologist/ doctor/ Healthcare provider about risk factors and taking adequate precautions will help you have a normal and healthy pregnancy.
How long should I wait before trying again?
Talk to your doctor about this. You might fall pregnant soon after an ectopic pregnancy. It is advisable to wait three months after the surgery so that your fallopian tubes get an adequate time to heal.
Can I still fall pregnant if my fallopian tube is removed?
If one fallopian tube is removed due to damage or surgery, eggs can still be produced from the other fallopian tube. IVF (In Vitro fertilization) is also an option if you want assistance for conceiving a baby.
Few words from us-
Do remember that it is possible to have a successful pregnancy after you have an ectopic pregnancy. There are various things which can help you have a successful pregnancy. There are several foods which you can consume to help improve your fertility and then maintain a healthy balance in your body for you and your little one. Maintaining fitness and health during the prenatal stage will also help.
