Do you know what an ectopic pregnancy is ?Have you suffered from an ectopic pregnancy? Read more to know about ectopic pregnancy
What Is Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic Pregnancy is also known as Extrauterine Pregnancy . In a simple term, extrauterine pregnancy happens when fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
The site of implantation most commonly is a fallopian tube; however, implantation can occur in the abdomen, the ovary, or the uterine cervix. Ectopic pregnancy occurs in an estimated 1 to 2 percent of women worldwide and is a major cause of sickness and death among women in the first trimester (first 12 weeks) of pregnancy.
Causes Of Ectopic Pregnancy
The cause of ectopic pregnancy is yet to be understood. In some cases, the following conditions have been related with an ectopic pregnancy:
- Hormonal factors
- Birth defects
- Inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes from a previous medical condition, infection, or surgery
- Medical conditions that affect the shape and condition of the fallopian tubes and reproductive organs
- Genetic abnormalities
- Birth defects
- Inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes from a previous medical condition, infection, or surgery
- genetic abnormalities
- A previous ectopic pregnancy
- Endometriosis, a condition where tissue that’s similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus in the pelvic cavity.
But the truth is about 50 percent of women who have an ectopic pregnancy don’t have known risk factors.
Symptoms Of Extrauterine Pregnancy
At first, an extrauterine pregnancy may feel like a normal pregnancy but it at times comes with nausea and breast soreness are common symptoms in both extrauterine and uterine pregnancies.
- Light to heavy vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Dizziness or fainting
- Severe pain that occurs on one side of the abdomen
- Sharp waves of pain in the abdomen, pelvis, shoulder, or neck.
How To Detect Extrauterine Pregnancy
To diagnose an extrauterine pregnancy, your doctor will carry out a transvaginal ultrasound scan, take a blood test, or perform a laparoscopy. Early detection can prevent internal bleeding and loss of the fallopian tubes.
How To Prevent Extrauterine Pregnancy
It is not so possible to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but you can lower its risk by following these instructions;
- Avoid having multiple sex partners
- Use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases
- Treat pelvic infection in time
- Maintain feminine hygiene
- Take periodic gynecological examinations
Conclusion
Extrauterine pregnancy is an instance of failed pregnancy in which the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, for example, in the fallopian tubes or ovaries.
The risk of ectopic pregnancy is so severe that if it is not diagnosed and treated on time, it can lead to internal bleeding, severe pain, and even the mother’s death. Therefore, early detection of ectopic pregnancy can save the mother’s life and increase the chance of a successful pregnancy.
If you notice any of the above signs , Please visit a gynecologist.
