In a normal pregnancy, the sperm and egg meet and fuse in the fallopian tube (the tube that transports the egg from the ovary to the uterus). Usually, the fertilized egg moves into the uterus so it can grow and develop well.
An ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilized egg and sperm (the foetus) starts to grow outside the uterus or the womb. It is rare, but it can happen.
The ectopic sites for pregnancy include the fallopian tube (also known as a tubal pregnancy) and other places such as the ovary (very rarely) or inside the abdomen (even more rarely).
A pregnancy in this situation will not survive and will not lead to the successful birth of a baby, due to the following reasons.
- As the pregnancy gets advanced space to grow in the fallopian tube becomes very limited.
- This will either burst or rupture the fallopian tube, leading to both severe pain and bleeding. This could be a life-threatening situation for the mother.
What are the symptoms caused by ectopic pregnancy ?
Most women realize something amiss only in the sixth week of pregnancy – about two weeks after missing a period. Each woman get different symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. Some women will show no symptoms, some may have a few symptoms while others have many of the symptoms. As symptoms are variable, it is so straightforward in all cases to make a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. The symptoms include the following.
- Heavy & Abnormal bleeding or spotting.
- Pain in lower abdomen or shoulder.
- Diarrhoea or pain on bowel movement.
- Severe abdominal pain or collapse.
- In case of fallopian tube rupture, internal bleeding, intense pain and collapse may occur causing an emergency situation. Rarely, this collapse is the very first sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
What are the risk factors that may contribute to an ectopic pregnancy ?
You are at an increased probability of an ectopic pregnancy if:
- You have had an earlier ectopic pregnancy
- You have a damaged fallopian tube due to a previous surgery or sterilisation.
- If you become pregnant with the presence of an intrauterine device
- If you used an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) for pregnancy
- If you are over age or over 40 years old
How is an ectopic pregnancy Diagnosed ?
- Ultrasound scan : Transvaginal scans image the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes best. If the pregnancy is too early, you may be asked to come in after a few days when it is easier to appreciate the pregnancy.
- Blood tests : Pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or a change in levels have to be checked to give a diagnosis. Even the levels of the female hormone progesterone have to be tested.
- Laparoscopy : If diagnosis is unclear, a laparoscopy will be necessary. This operation can take place under general anaesthetic. The doctor will use a small telescope to examine your pelvis by keyhole surgery.
If an ectopic pregnancy is indeed detected, treatment will occur during the same operation.
How is an ectopic pregnancy treated ?
An ectopic pregnancy is best terminated, on medical consultation with your gynaecologist. The pregnancy can either be terminated by medicines (drugs) or by surgery.
- Medical treatment: Sometimes, an ectopic pregnancy can be rectified by medication or drugs. An abortogenic drug (methotrexate) prevents the pregnancy from developing only and so the ectopic pregnancy will be terminated. If your pregnancy is advanced or the hCG level is getting high, methotrexate is less probable to succeed. You may need to stay in a hospital overnight for the abortive process and stay admitted in the ward. It is a must that you attend your follow-up appointments.
- Surgical treatment: For future pregnancys inside your uterus, and to decrease risk of having another ectopic pregnancy, you will be advised to remove your fallopian tube (salpingectomy). An operation to remove the ectopic pregnancy will be done under a general anaesthetic. The surgery can be either laparoscopy or open surgery (laparotomy). There are risks associated with any operation. This may be due to the use of an anaesthetic or the operation itself.
How about future pregnancies ?
For most women an ectopic pregnancy is a single event and does not occur again. So, the chances of having successful pregnancy is good in the future.Even with only one fallopian tube, your chances of conceiving are only slightly reduced.
How to find gynecologists for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy ?
Now you can find gynecologists for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple gynecologists, get approximate cost for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy from various hospitals, compare things and then choose a gynecologist for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy.
Find and choose a gynecologist for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
