Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy, what is it? How soon would you know if you have an ectopic pregnancy? Can you save the baby in an ectopic pregnancy? How long can an ectopic pregnancy go unnoticed? What are the early warning signs for an ectopic?
In this write-up, we shall provide you with the relevant things that you need to know about ectopic pregnancy.
All the way from the time of fertilization of a woman’s egg till she is fully pregnant, pregnancy her body will call for some steps that will happen within. Prominent among the steps is the time when the journey of a fertilized egg takes place, this egg will travel to attach itself to the uterus. In what is known as ectopic pregnancy, what happens is that, instead of the fertilized egg traveling to the uterus, it will for some strange reasons, attach itself to the Fallopian tube (in most cases), to the abdominal cavity, or to the cervix.
The interesting thing is that the woman will test positive for any pregnancy test, but that fertilized egg can’t have a good growth anywhere apart from the designated place for a fertilized egg, the uterus.
Statistics from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) shows that for every 50 pregnancies, there is 1 recorded ectopic pregnancy or for every 1,000, there are 20 ectopic pregnancies
If left unattended to, an ectopic pregnancy could medically be a serious emergency. If treated early, then the chances and risk of serious complications that can result from ectopic pregnancy can be reduced or avoided altogether.
While is unclear what exactly causes ectopic pregnancies, some conditions have been identified as possibly having links to the development of ectopic pregnancies.
- Inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes from a previous medical condition, infection, or surgery
- Hormonal factors
- Genetic abnormalities
- Birth defects
- Medical conditions that affect the shape and condition of the fallopian tubes and reproductive organs
If you have suffered this kind of condition before, please consult your doctor to provide you with more information about why you had an ectopic.
SO WHO IS AT RISK OF HAVING ECTOPIC?
Every woman who is sexually active is at risk of having an ectopic. The following will however increase your risk.
- maternal age of 35 years or older
- history of pelvic surgery, abdominal surgery, or multiple abortions
- history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- history of endometriosis
- conception occurred despite tubal ligation or intrauterine device (IUD)
- conception aided by fertility drugs or procedures
- smoking
- history of ectopic pregnancy
- history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia
- having structural abnormalities in the fallopian tubes that make it hard for the egg to travel
Please speak to your doctor if you observe any of the following listed above. What you can do is to cooperate with a specialist of fertility so your risks can be minimized.
SYMPTOMS OF AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
When one developed an ectopic pregnancy, it may not be immediately known since the first few days of pregnancy are mostly not felt.
That notwithstanding, some people might experience nausea and/or soreness in their breasts.
The under-listed are mostly the most common symptoms and would call for urgent medical attention.
- Sharp waves of pains around the abdomen, pelvis, shoulder, or neck
- Severe pains around one side of the abdomen
- Light to heavy vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Feeling dizzy or fainting
- Rectal pressure
Once you begin to feel the above-mentioned while pregnant, please consult your doctor immediately.