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[P98]Pathophysiology Of Ectopic Pregnancy

by Apurva Shree, Apu

Chances of ectopic pregnancy increases with age, fallopian tube surgery, or pelvic inflammatory disease, however a vaginal ultrasound and scan or ELISA (urinary test) can successfully diagnose it.

Although, ectopic pregnancy needs immediate medical attention, death is rare in such condition, since early detection in first trimester of the pregnancy period is possible for it. After detection, treatment can be done with injection methotrexate, or laprosopic or laprotomy surgery.

Monitoring Symptoms

There are different symptoms for ectopic pregnancy. Woman with an ectopic pregnancy at times have abdominal or pelvic pain, dizziness, low blood pressure, and vaginal bleeding. Hormones levels of the pregnant woman need to be checked, if you suspect an ectopic pregnancy.

The hormone HCG is higher in a normal pregnancy in comparison to ectopic pregnancy. However, the progesterone hormone tends to be lower. To monitor the hormone levels, doctors ask the patients to get their blood tests done on a daily basis for a few days. To check internal bleeding an ultrasound is also advised by the doctors.

Treatment

Good news is that ectopic pregnancy can be treated without any permanent damage, but sometimes in advanced pregnancies, it may rupture. Then doctors perform surgery. Surgery can be done using laprotomy (open surgery) or laproscopy (pin hole surgery), depending on the size of the ectopic pregnancy. Earlier, doctors used to remove the entire fallopian tube while removing ectopic pregnancy, now only a part of the fallopian tube is removed.

Prevention

Ectopic pregnancy can surely be treated, but there is no known way to prevent it. One can decrease the risk by using condoms or getting pelvis area checked in case of any urinary tract infection. Yearly medical examinations are necessary, if you use an IUD.

Any infection during pregnancy can be quite troubling for the mother as well for the child. Ectopic pregnancy should be detected and removed as early as the first trimester when you are experiencing your first signs of pregnancy. Ignoring the symptoms of pregnancy week by week can lead to trouble in the later stages. Remember to get a thorough medical checkup done in the first few weeks of your pregnancy itself. Be informed, keep safe, and enjoy your journey to motherhood.

What is Ectopic Pregnancy? Ectopic may be defined as an organ or body part existing in an unusual form or position. Ectopic pregnancy is one which is developing in the wrong place. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg or ovum fails to move down through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Instead, it develops outside the womb. The ovum may attach itself to the fallopian tube, the ovary, cervix, or any other organ within the pelvic and abdominal organ. Most ectopic pregnancies lead to immediate miscarriage, while others need medical attention.

Reasons for Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancies occur in women with damaged fallopian tubes. A history of pelvic inflammatory disease, previous surgery, scar tissue, endometriosis, or previous ectopic pregnancies increases the likelihood of such a pregnancy. Chances of ectopic pregnancies increase if you become pregnant while using a contraceptive-coil or a progestogen only contraceptive pill. Even in-vitro fertilizations are known to be ectopic despite the fact that the ovum is directly placed into the womb. The ovum may attach itself somewhere else, leading to ectopic pregnancy. Sometimes, women suffer from this despite not having any of the above risk factors.

Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

Pain on one side of the abdomen is the first sign of ectopoic pregnancy. This pain is often severe and constant and starts suddenly. Pain in shoulder, which intensifies when breathing in and out, is also a sign of ectopic pregnancy. Pain while using the bathroom may also indicate towards this type of pregnancy. Other symptoms include sickness, diarrhoea, light headedness, paleness, collapse, falling blood pressure, and vaginal bleeding or unusual periods.

Diagnosis

An ectopic pregnancy is often difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms are that of a normal pregnancy, such as tender breasts, nausea, frequent urination, missed period, and vomiting. However, in case you notice any of the signs discussed above, you must consult your physician immediately.

A urine test may not be a surest way to detect ectopic pregnancy; but a positive result for a specialized HCG blood test will confirm it. An internal pelvic examination will reveal that the womb is smaller in an ectopic pregnancy than in a normal pregnancy at the same stage of pregnancy. A swelling is also a sign of this type of pregnancy. An ultrasound is the safest bet when it comes to detecting this type of pregnancy.

Treatment

Most ectopic pregnancies need to be surgically treated or need proper medication. Without such medical intervention, the pregnancy can turn fatal to the mother. With technological advancements, it has become a lot easier to detect an ectopic pregnancy. Also, the treatment of such a pregnancy has improved, for example, keyhole surgery. Techniques like laparoscopy or laprotomy can by used to remove the misplaced ovum.

Future Pregnancies

You must understand that even if you have had an ectopic pregnancy, you will be likely to have successful pregnancies in the future. It is advisable to wait for several cycles before attempting to become pregnant again. Most women are known to become pregnant again with a healthy pregnancy as soon as they attempted again.

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Apurva Shree has sinced written about articles on various topics from Investments, Teeth Whitening and The Internet. Consult your doctor to confirm you pregnancy when you start to experience the . During the. Apurva Shree's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.