Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy cannot proceed normally and is very dangerous for the mother.

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy:

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can vary, and sometimes there are no symptoms at all. However, the most common symptoms include:

♦ Pain: Severe pain on one side of the abdomen or pelvis, which may be sharp or dull.
♦ Vaginal bleeding: Light bleeding or spotting, which may be mistaken for a menstrual period.
♦ Shoulder pain: Pain at the tip of the shoulder, which can be caused by internal bleeding.
♦ Pregnancy symptoms: Common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, breast tenderness, and a positive pregnancy test may also be present.

Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy:

Some factors that increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy include:

♦ History of ectopic pregnancy: If you have had an ectopic pregnancy before, the risk of it happening again increases.
♦ Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Pelvic infections can damage the fallopian tubes.
♦ Fallopian tube surgery: Previous surgery on the fallopian tubes can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
♦ Endometriosis: Endometriosis can cause adhesions and blockage of the fallopian tubes.
♦ Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
♦ Age over 35: The risk of ectopic pregnancy increases with age.

Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy:

Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is usually made with a combination of the following:

♦ Blood test: To check the level of the pregnancy hormone (hCG).
♦ Transvaginal ultrasound: To check the location of the embryo.

Treatment of ectopic pregnancy:

An ectopic pregnancy must be treated because it can lead to serious complications. Treatment usually involves one of the following:

♦ Medication (methotrexate): A drug that stops the growth of pregnancy cells.
♦ Surgery: Surgery is necessary if the ectopic pregnancy has ruptured or if medication is not effective.

Important points:

♦ Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
♦ If you experience symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, see a doctor immediately.
♦ Early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy can prevent serious complications