Fertilization is the moment that marks the start of a pregnancy. The fertilized egg sticks to your uterine lining (lining the uterus) normally. An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implanted and grows outside of the main cavity. This is when a fertilized egg implants in another part of the body than the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is often found in the fallopian tube, which connects the ovaries to the uterus. In rare cases, ectopic may occur in the ovary and in the abdominal cavity.
There is a variety of ectopic pregnancies.
Tubal Pregnancy
Tubal pregnancy is when the fertilized egg implant in the fallopian tubes. Tubal pregnancies account for most ectopic pregnancies. You can further distinguish the type of tubal pregnancies by the place where the pregnancy occurs within the fallopian tube.
Non-tubal Ectopic Pregnancy
Nearly 2% all ectopic pregnancies occur in another part of the body such as the ovary or intra-abdominal area.
Heterotopic Pregnancy
Rarely, one fertilized egg implanted inside the uterus and the other outside. It is often detected before intrauterine pregnancy due to its painful nature. If the levels of human chorionic Gonadotropin continue to rise, the pregnancy may still be viable in the womb after the ectopic embryo is removed.
Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg is unable to move down the fallopian tubes quickly enough. An infection or inflammation can cause a tube to become blocked or partially blocked. Ectopic pregnancy is often caused by inflammation of the pelvis.
Tube blockage can also be caused by endometriosis, a condition that affects many women. Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to those found in the uterine liner develop outside of the uterus. These cells could grow inside the fallopian tube, causing problems for the normal flow of fertilized eggs. Scar tissue from previous abdominal surgery or fallopian tube surgeries can block the tube.
There are also other causes of ectopic pregnancies:
- Females over 35 years old can have a child
- Operations or infections in the pelvic region previously
- Reproductive assisted methods
- History of inflammation in fallopian tubes
- Symptoms and signs of ectopic pregnancy
You may not initially notice any signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy. On the other side, some women who have an ectopic baby experience the usual signs and symptoms of early pregnancy such as missed periods and breast soreness. As the fetus continues to grow in an abnormal place, the signs of ectopic pregnancies become more obvious.
- Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, shoulders, or neck
- Extreme pain on one side
- Spotting can be light or heavy.
- Dizziness
- Rectal pressure
- Ectopic pregnancy
The treatment of an ectopic baby will vary depending on where it is located. This should be treated as an emergency. A gynecologic must be consulted immediately.
Medication
The doctor might prescribe medications to prevent the ectopic masses from burst. This is often treated with a medication that slows down the growth of rapidly-developing cells. This medication can cause similar symptoms as a miscarriage. It is effective when it is administered correctly.
Surgery
Many surgeons recommend that the embryo be removed and that any internal damage is repaired. Laparotomy, a medical term that refers to this type of surgery, is used. Your doctor will make a small incision to allow them to view the job. The doctor will then remove the embryo and repair any damage to its fallopian tube.