What is an ectopic pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy where the embryo does not implant inside the uterine cavity but implants in an abnormal location outside the uterus. As the embryo grows and expands, the organ cannot stretch to accommodate the increasing size of the embryo. Most cases are found in the fallopian tubes. Symptoms usually occur about 7 weeks after conception. Normally, the ovary produces an egg and releases it to travel through the fallopian tube, where it is fertilized by sperm and then moves to the uterus. However, in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg does not move down to implant in the uterus but remains in the fallopian tube. Around weeks 7-8, symptoms begin to appear, such as:
- Sudden abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
Common symptoms of ectopic pregnancy
In the early stage, there may be no symptoms. As the pregnancy progresses, the most common symptom is pain in the abdomen or lower abdomen, which is found in almost all patients. The pain is usually cramping and intermittent, may be on one side or both sides, and may disappear or persist. In cases of significant internal bleeding, irritation of the diaphragm may cause referred pain to the shoulder. Patients may visit the doctor with symptoms of faintness or near fainting, which is often seen when the fallopian tube has ruptured. Symptoms can range from no findings on examination to patients presenting in shock due to blood loss.
Abdominal distension and tenderness are found in cases with internal bleeding. Abdominal tenderness is common, occurring in 50-90% of cases. Cervical motion tenderness and adnexal tenderness are also frequently observed. A mass in the adnexa is found in one-third of cases, so the absence of a mass does not exclude the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. The uterus may be slightly enlarged and soft, similar to a normal pregnancy. Bleeding from the cervix or the presence of tissue may lead to a mistaken diagnosis of miscarriage from an intrauterine pregnancy.
Less common but very dangerous cases include the egg remaining attached to the ovary or other lower abdominal organs. If the embryo continues to grow, it may cause organ rupture, leading to massive bleeding and severe pain. If you experience early pregnancy symptoms as described, you should see a doctor immediately.
Ectopic pregnancy is a sad event and can have a psychological impact on the expectant mother because it involves pregnancy loss. Recovery takes time both physically and emotionally.
How common is ectopic pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy is uncommon, occurring in about 1% of women. Blockage of the fallopian tubes may result from infections, which are the main cause of ectopic pregnancy. If you are planning to have children but currently have a urinary tract infection or pelvic inflammatory disease, the best course of action is to treat the infection completely before trying to conceive.
Treatment methods for ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy can be treated without surgery, depending on the severity of symptoms and the gestational age. Therefore, if you think you are at risk of ectopic pregnancy, you should consult a doctor immediately. If left untreated until organ rupture occurs, it can be life-threatening, requiring emergency surgery to treat the ectopic pregnancy.
If the gestational age is early and there are no complications, the doctor may perform surgery to remove the embryo and repair the damaged area. Another option is medication to terminate the pregnancy.
Self-care after treatment for ectopic pregnancy
During the recovery period after treatment for ectopic pregnancy, rest is important to restore both physical and emotional health after experiencing the disappointment and loss of the pregnancy. This is a natural event, and mothers should not blame or harm themselves emotionally. However, if planning to have another child, consult a specialist for advice on preparation. It is generally recommended to wait 3-6 months before trying to conceive again.
Can women who have had an ectopic pregnancy have normal pregnancies?
Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy can still have healthy children in the future, even if only one fallopian tube remains. If the cause of the ectopic pregnancy was illness or infection, doctors can treat it completely.
