Unfortunately, pregnancy doesn't always go as planned. Miscarriage, fetal development complications, stillbirth, and ectopic pregnancy are all possiblities, although not extremely common. Ectopic pregnancy, in particular, only occurs in about 1 in 50 women, but it’s still important to understand their signs, causes, and treatments.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
In a normal pregnancy, the egg is fertilized by a sperm in the fallopian tube after being released by the ovaries. The egg is then implanted in the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy, commonly called tubal pregnancy, occurs when the egg implants elsewhere -- sometimes it’s implanted in the fallopian tube, and other times in the abdominal cavity. This is when serious complications can arise.
Signs of an Ectopic Pregnancy
Recognizing the signs of an ectopic pregnancy can’t save a pregnancy, but it can prevent more severe complications for the mother. Most women don’t even realize they’re pregnant when the signs of an ectopic pregnancy arise. Most commonly, the initial symptoms include abdominal pain and light bleeding. This may be followed by severe cramping, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, and pain on one side of the body or in odd places, like the shoulder or rectum.
One of the more dangerous complications of an ectopic pregnancy is a fallopian tube rupture, which can cause internal bleeding. This can ultimately require a partial or full hysterectomy. If you suspect you’re experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, go to the emergency room immediately.
Diagnosing Ectopic Pregnancy
A woman who is experiencing abdominal pain and bleeding may be given a pregnancy test. If it’s positive, this’ll likely be followed by an ultrasound to see where in the body the fetus is located. If it’s an ectopic pregnancy, the doctor should be able to see a mass in the fallopian tubes and an absence of a fetus in the uterus. If a woman is determined to be suffering an ectopic pregnancy, their doctor is likely to proceed with surgery. When surgery is conducted, the doctor will cut into the navel laparoscopically, locate the ectopic fetus, and remove it.
Treating an Ectopic Pregnancy
Not every ectopic pregnancy requires emergency treatment. Some women go through ectopic pregnancies with no symptoms and experience spontaneous abortion when their pregnancy ends. When an ectopic pregnancy is discovered early, it can be treated with medication, although most women have to undergo surgery.
Risks Factors Related to Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy can occur in women with no risk factors at all, though some can make it more likely. Ectopic pregnancy is more common in women who've experienced:
- Prior ectopic pregnancy
- Tumors, scarring, infection, or other damage to the fallopian tubes
- Pelvic infections, such as those from STIs
- Endometriosis
- Use of intrauterine devices.
