All You Need to Know About Ectopic Pregnancy

Attachment of a fertilized egg by itself in a place other than the inside parts of the uterus is called ectopic pregnancy. Almost all types of ectopic pregnancies usually occur in the fallopian tube and hence they are also called as tubal pregnancies. Actually, the fallopian tubes of a woman body are not designed to hold a growing embryo and are not meant for pregnancy. Thus, the fertilized egg cannot develop properly in cases of ectopic pregnancies and require treatment in the best maternity hospital in Delhi, Mumbai, or any other city. Ectopic pregnancies happen generally at the rate of 1 out of 50 pregnancies. There are some risk factors including in such cases. The condition becomes critical for women of age between 35-44 years or if they have previous ectopic pregnancy experience and pelvic surgery. Several induced abortions, smoking, fertility medications, and endometriosis are some other risk factors for women facing ectopic pregnancies. 

CAUSES

• If the fallopian tube has an infection or an inflammation, it can lead to either partial or entire blockage of the tubes. Thus, the blockage leads to ectopic pregnancies as fertilized eggs cannot reach uterus for normal pregnancy. 
• Sometimes a scar tissue from previous cases of infection or a tube surgery can impede the egg’s movement in the fallopian tubes. 
• Adhesions can also cause ectopic pregnancies resulting from previous pelvic or abdominal surgeries.
• A birth defect or abnormal growths can also result in the abnormal shape of tubes.

SYMPTOMS

Typical signs and symptoms might be common but some are useful in recognizing a potential ectopic pregnancy.

• Severe pain with varying intensities in the pelvic region, abdomen, or shoulder and neck. 
• Vaginal bleeding which can either be heavier or lighter than your normal period.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.

DIAGNOSIS

Best gynaecologist in Bangalore or any other city can easily diagnose ectopic pregnancy which can be confirmed by your physician. They usually perform a pelvic test to locate pain, tenderness, or a mass in the abdomen. Physicians also use an ultrasound scan to determine if your uterus contains any developing foetus. Progesterone levels will also be tested and you might also have to undergo culdocentesis that involves the insertion of a needle at the top of the vagina, behind the uterus, and in front of the rectum. Presence of blood in this area indicates a ruptured fallopian tube.

TREATMENT

Methotrexate saves the fallopian tube allowing the body to absorb pregnancy tissue. If the tube is ruptured and bleeding, a part of it has to be removed and, in such cases, bleeding should be stopped promptly requiring emergency surgery. Laparoscopic surgery can also be performed. Laparotomy can be done if the ectopic pregnancy cannot be removed by normal laparoscopy.