Getting pregnant means that a fertilized egg has implanted itself into the uterine lining. If everything goes according to plan, after approximately nine months, the mother can expect to bring a new baby into the world. When the egg does not implant in the uterine lining but somewhere else outside the uterus, the pregnancy is considered a so-called ectopic pregnancy. 

Centers such as My OBGYN Specialists offer tailored services and guidance to patients facing symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and help them overcome the consequences, which might be both physical and psychological. When faced with this situation, it is imperative to consult an experienced professional and have proper guidance in handling this kind of challenge. 

Most often, an ectopic pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tubes (90% of the cases), so sometimes it is referred to as tubal pregnancy. In other situations, the egg can be situated in organs such as the ovaries, the lower part of the uterus, and the abdominal cavity. None of these locations can support the growth of the fetus because the only organ which can be responsible for carrying a pregnancy is the uterus. 

If the ectopic pregnancy causes any type of damage to the organs where the egg is implanted, it can be life-threatening and cause severe issues, such as bleeding, infections, or even death. Although this type of pregnancy is quite rare, and only around 2% of all pregnancies are ectopic, it is still vital to have systems in place to remedy the aftermath of this kind of pregnancy in women. 

What Causes Ectopic Pregnancy?

In most cases, an ectopic pregnancy occurs because the process of lowering the egg to the uterus via the fallopian tubes is slowed down, and the egg attaches itself to the organ nearest to its position during this time. This can be connected to a few problems, such as:

  • The existence of scar tissue, inflammation, or adhesions 
  • The damage in the fallopian tubes caused by STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
  • The irregular shape of the fallopian tubes
  • Presence of a growth that is blocking the fallopian tubes

When elaborating on the question of what causes ectopic pregnancy, it is also important to underline some risk factors which can increase the chances of patients experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, and they include: 

  • A prior ectopic pregnancy 
  • Issues with infertility 
  • Previous surgery on the fallopian tubes, such as tubal ligation, or on other pelvic organs
  • Endometriosis
  • Prior pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which causes scar tissue formation on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, or the cervix
  • Using in vitro fertilization or IVF
  • Smoking tobacco
  • Sexually transmitted infections or STIs
  • Having an intrauterine device inserted during the time of conception 
  • Age (higher risk for persons over 35)

If any of the risk factors above are something you are facing or experiencing, please contact your chosen medical provider and let them know all the necessary details so they can guide you toward the next possible steps. 

Young Pregnant Woman Feeling Pain in Her Stomach at Home

Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy 

It has been noted through many different examples that the earliest symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are quite similar to a regular pregnancy. That said, some additional symptoms might develop later on, which signal that something might be wrong, and they are:

  • Pain in the lower abdomen 
  • Pain in the pelvis area and the lower back
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness 
  • Vaginal bleeding (more severe if there has been an organ rupture)
  • Fainting 
  • Shoulder pains
  • Hypotension or low blood pressure 
  • Pressure in the rectum
  • Issues with the bowels 
  • Sudden sharp pain in the lower abdomen (when a rupture occurs)

How Is an Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?

When it comes to the question of how is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed, it is interesting to share that the majority of patients do not know that they are having this kind of pregnancy until they have their prenatal care visit. Your chosen doctor will speak with you, get some blood samples and potentially do an ultrasound. After the results are conclusive, they will be able to tell whether you are having a typical pregnancy or an ectopic one. 

Several additional tests can be done to establish the ectopic pregnancy diagnosis, such as a pelvic exam and: 

  • A blood test which is used to determine how many HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormones are present in the body. This hormone is produced only during pregnancy; if the levels are low, that might imply that the patient has an ectopic pregnancy. 
  • A urine test which can be done in several ways, where the patient either urinates on a test strip or into a cup. 
  • Ectopic pregnancy ultrasound uses sound waves to capture the body’s internal structure and locate the fertilized egg. 
  • Culdocentesis which is a test used when the doctor suspects that the ectopic pregnancy has ruptured, but it’s used quite rarely. 

This type of pregnancy is usually discovered very early, in the first trimester, most often around week eight of the pregnancy. 

Treatment Options 

After you have the proper diagnosis, you can treat an ectopic pregnancy in a few ways. Medical professionals most often recommend either medication or a surgical approach. 

The medical approach in this context includes medication called methotrexate which is used to stop the fertilized egg from developing and growing further without causing any additional damage to the fallopian tubes. This medicine is given as a single injection and is much less invasive than proper surgery. That said, it is essential to monitor the effects of the injection afterward and mitigate any potential side effects.

When it comes to surgery, it is most often recommended when the fallopian tubes have already ruptured or they are at significant risk of rupturing. The surgery is done as an emergency procedure, and it can be seen as a life-saving endeavor. It is most often done laparoscopically, under general anesthesia. Sometimes the entire fallopian tube is removed, together with the egg, and sometimes only the egg gets removed to preserve the fallopian tube. 

Doctor Is Holding the Patient’s Hand and Pressing the Other Hand on Patient’s Stomach

Additionally…

Many women want to know whether they can get pregnant again after they have experienced an ectopic pregnancy, and the answer is a definite yes. Although there is a risk of having a repeated ectopic pregnancy, that is not a rule, so make sure you consult your chosen doctor before working on a second pregnancy. 

Also, there is the question of ectopic pregnancy prevention; unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent this type of pregnancy. Reducing the abovementioned risks is definitely an option, so make sure you acquire certain healthy lifestyle habits and speak about potential concerns in this regard with your chosen doctor. 

In terms of waiting to get impregnated again after you have gone through a pregnancy such as this one, experts say that another pregnancy can happen quite quickly after the first one, but it is best to wait at least three months prior to conceiving so that the fallopian tubes can recuperate and you can lower the risk of experiencing another ectopic pregnancy. 

Get in Touch!

Whether you just want to have a consultation with our specialists, have some health concerns, wish to do an ectopic pregnancy ultrasound, or get additional information and guidance, feel free to call our clinic and schedule an appointment.