Normally, the fertilized egg (Embryo) attaches to the lining of the uterus. A pregnancy is termed as ectopic when the embryo implants and grows outside the uterine cavity.
An ectopic pregnancy cannot continue like normal pregnancy and tends to abort or rupture around 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes it can lead to fatal intra-abdominal bleeding.
Symptoms
Most patients are asymptomatic at first. However, some women who have an ectopic pregnancy have the usual early signs or symptoms of pregnancy — a missed period, breast tenderness and nausea.
Pregnancy test (beta HCG), the result will be positive but fails to rise properly like a normal pregnancy.
As the embryo grows in size, signs and symptoms become more prominant.
Often, the first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.
If blood leaks from the fallopian tube, there may be shoulder pain or an urge to have a bowel or bladder symptoms. Symptoms depend on where the blood collects and which nerves are irritated.
Emergency Symptoms
If the fertilized egg continues to grow in the fallopian tube, it can cause the tube to rupture. Heavy bleeding inside the abdomen is likely. Symptoms of this life-threatening event include extreme light headedness, abdominal pain, vomiting, fainting and shock.
Emergency medical help is required if you have any signs or symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.
Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy are:
- Previous ectopic pregnancy: Patient with previous history of ectopic pregnancy are at risk for repeat ectopic.
- Inflammation or infection: Pelvic infection, such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia, can damage the tubes and increase your risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
- Tubal surgery: Tubal reconstructive surgery in case of damaged of blocked fallopian tube can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy in future pregnancy.
- The chance of getting pregnant while using an intrauterine device (IUD) is rare. However, if you do get pregnant with an IUD in place, it's more likely to be ectopic. Tubal ligation, a permanent method of birth control commonly known as "having your tubes tied," also raises your risk, if you become pregnant after this procedure
- Smoking. Cigarette smoking has been known to increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
Prevention
There's no way to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but here are some ways to decrease your risk:
- Limiting the number of sexual partners and using a condom during sex helps to prevent sexually transmitted infections and may reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Don't smoke. If you do, quit before you try to get pregnant.
- To be more vigilant in cases of previous ectopic pregnancy.