Ectopic Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Max Lab

Feb 02, 2023

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. While it is not common, it can be a dangerous medical condition and requires medical attention. This article will explore what an ectopic pregnancy is, its signs and symptoms, treatment options, and how it can be prevented. We will also discuss how to cope with having an ectopic pregnancy, as well as the emotional effects this type of miscarriage can have on women.

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb. This can happen in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or even the abdominal cavity. If the fertilized egg implants in one of these places, it will not be able to develop properly and will eventually rupture, causing severe bleeding. This can be life-threatening for both mother and baby. Ectopic pregnancies are relatively rare, occurring in about 1% of all pregnancies.

Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy

The most common symptom of an ectopic pregnancy are:

Vaginal Bleeding:

Vaginal bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy. It may be a light spotting or a heavier flow and can occur any time from implantation to 20 weeks after the last menstrual period.

Abdominal Pain:

Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy. It can range from mild to severe and may be constant or intermittent. Many women report that the pain is sharp and stabbing, and often occurs on one side of the abdomen.

If you are experiencing abdominal pain during pregnancy, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. While abdominal pain can be a normal part of pregnancy, it can also be a sign of something more serious, like an ectopic pregnancy.

Dizziness:

Dizziness is a common symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. It is caused by the growing fetus putting pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis and can also be compounded by changes in hormone levels. Dizziness can occur at any time during pregnancy but is most common in the first trimester. If you are experiencing dizziness, lie down and put your feet up when possible. Drink lots of fluids and avoid standing for long periods of time. If you have severe or persistent dizziness, contact your healthcare provider.

Shoulder Pain:

An ectopic pregnancy is a very serious condition that can cause severe shoulder pain. If you think you may be pregnant, it is important to see a doctor right away. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. 

How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed?

If you think you may have an ectopic pregnancy, it’s important to see your doctor or go to the emergency room right away. An ectopic pregnancy can’t continue like a normal pregnancy—it’s not safe for the mom or the baby.

To find out if you have an ectopic pregnancy, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They may also order one or more of the following tests:

• Blood test: This can help check for HCG, a hormone that’s only present when you’re pregnant. If your levels are high, it could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
• Pelvic exam: Your doctor will feel your abdomen to check for any tenderness or pain. They may also do a Pap smear to check for abnormal cells in your cervix, which can be a sign of infection.
• Ultrasound: This imaging test uses sound waves to create a picture of your uterus and fallopian tubes. It can help show if the embryo is implanted in the uterus or in one of the fallopian tubes.

Treatments for an Ectopic Pregnancy

There are a few different options when it comes to treating an ectopic pregnancy. The first is surgery, which can be done laparoscopically or through a larger incision in the abdomen. This is usually only done if the pregnancy is very early on and has not caused too much damage to the fallopian tube. If the pregnancy is further along or has caused more damage, then a second surgery may be needed to remove the fallopian tube entirely.

Another option is medication, which can be used to stop the growth of the pregnancy and allow it to pass naturally. This option is usually only recommended if the pregnancy is very early on and has not caused too much damage to the fallopian tube. It is important to note that this option does not always work and may need to be repeated multiple times before it is successful.

The last option is watchful waiting, which is only an option if the pregnancy has not caused any damage to the fallopian tube and there are no signs of complication. With this option, you will be closely monitored by your doctor but will not receive any treatment unless complications arise.

Prevention of an Ectopic Pregnancy

There are a few things that can be done to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but they may not be possible or effective for everyone. One way to prevent an ectopic pregnancy is to take folic acid daily. This can help to reduce the risk of the embryo implanting in the fallopian tubes. Another way to prevent an ectopic pregnancy is to avoid smoking and using drugs. These substances can damage the lining of the fallopian tubes and make it more likely for an embryo to implant there. Finally, using contraception can help to prevent an unplanned pregnancy, which could lead to an ectopic pregnancy.

Risks associated with an Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus. While an ectopic pregnancy can occur in any location within the abdomen, it most commonly occurs in the fallopian tube.

While an ectopic pregnancy can be detected early through a combination of symptoms and a physical exam, many women do not seek medical attention until the later stages of the condition when there is a risk of rupturing the fallopian tube. This can lead to severe bleeding and even death.

There are several factors that may increase your risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy, including:

• Previous history of ectopic pregnancy

• Use of fertility drugs or other assisted reproductive technologies (ART)

• Use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control

• Infection of the fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease)

• History of pelvic surgery

Conclusion

Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated in time. While it is uncommon, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so you can seek medical attention as soon as possible if needed. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and treatment, most women are able to make a full recovery and go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future. If you think that you may have an ectopic pregnancy, don't delay in seeking medical help right away.