What is Ectopic Pregnancy?

The embryo that is formed as a result of the union of the mother’s egg and the father’s sperm is placed inside the uterus during a normal pregnancy. If for some reason the fetus is placed outside the uterus, this condition is called ectopic pregnancy. 

The fetus cannot grow and mature because it is placed outside the uterus (where the child grows during pregnancy). However, even in this condition, if the fetus continues to grow, it can lead to the death of the pregnant woman.

Ectopic pregnancy does not save the fetus. Abortion is performed through the application of drugs or surgery.

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy usually appear between the 4th and 12th week of pregnancy. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at first. They may not realize that they have had an ectopic pregnancy before having an ultrasonogram or having any serious symptoms.

If your period stops, the pregnancy test is positive, or there are other signs of pregnancy, as well as any of the following, then you may have had an ectopic pregnancy. Note that even if the pregnancy test is not positive, if you think you are pregnant, and if you have any of the following symptoms, contact the hospital or your doctor.

One. Bleeding through the menstrual tract

This bleeding is different from your normal menstrual bleeding. Bleeding in ectopic pregnancies can be fluid and dark brown in color; It can start suddenly and stop again. Many people think that this bleeding is normal menstrual blood, they do not even realize that they are pregnant.

Bleeding during menstruation is relatively common during pregnancy and may not always be a sign of a serious problem. Even then, if this problem occurs, you must contact a doctor.

Two. Abdominal pain

There may be pain on either side of the lower abdomen. It can grow slowly after the onset, and then suddenly start to intensify. It can be there all the time, it can come and go again.

Stomach pain can also be caused by various digestive problems, bacterial infections or gas problems. So abdominal pain does not mean ectopic pregnancy. But if you think you are pregnant and have this kind of pain, then you must consult a doctor.

Three. Pain in the end of the shoulder

An unusual type of pain may be felt in the area where your shoulder ends and the arm begins.

The exact cause is not known, but it could be a sign of bleeding inside the body due to an ectopic pregnancy. So if you feel this problem, contact the doctor immediately without delay.

Four. Discomfort when going to the toilet

You may have pain when you go to urinate or go to the toilet, you may have diarrhea. It is normal to have some changes in urination during pregnancy. Urinary tract infections and various stomach problems, such as diarrhea, are caused by vomiting. If such problems occur during pregnancy, it is better to consult a doctor.

Five. Ovarian rupture and its symptoms

The fallopian tubes act as a bridge between the two ovaries (from which the ovaries are usually released each month) and the uterus (where the fetus grows).

In some cases, the fetus grows so large that it is likely to rupture. This is called rapture, which means rupture.

Rapture is very deadly. If this happens, the mother needs to be operated on as soon as possible to save her life and repair the ruptured ovary.

Symptoms of rapture include:

• Sudden sharp and sharp pain in the abdomen,
• Dizziness or fainting,
• Nausea,
• Suddenly becoming very pale.

If these symptoms occur, go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital as soon as possible.

When to go to the doctor in case of ectopic pregnancy?

If you are pregnant and have any of the symptoms of your ectopic pregnancy, you must see a doctor even if the pregnancy test is not positive. Tell your doctor about your symptoms. You will then usually be given a pregnancy test.

You may be referred to a specialist to make sure that the fetus is growing out of the uterus and to assess your condition properly, who will recommend an ultrasound and blood test to confirm an ectopic pregnancy.

When to go to the doctor on an emergency basis?

If there are any signs of rupture of your ovaries, it should not be delayed. Go to the doctor immediately. 

If the ovary is torn, it can lead to death. But hopefully, its complexity can be completely avoided by taking quick action. Maternal mortality rates have dropped dramatically already in developed countries. 

Treatment of ectopic pregnancy

There are three main types of ectopic pregnancies:

• Kept under close observation. You will be carefully monitored and given one of the following treatments if the fertilized egg does not break down on its own.
• Medicine. A strong injection called methotexate is given to prevent the fetus from growing again.
• Operation or surgery. The fertilized egg is removed by laparoscopy surgery, and the affected uterus is usually cut off. This operation is performed while the patient is completely unconscious. 

The doctor will tell you in detail about the advantages and disadvantages of all the medical procedures. However, depending on your symptoms and test report, only one specific medical procedure may be applicable to you.  

Some treatments may reduce your chances of getting pregnant normally in the future, although most women will be able to conceive again later. Talk to your doctor about this in detail.

Stress and to-do after ectopic pregnancy

Losing a child after conception puts a lot of stress on the mind. Many mothers feel the pain of losing a family member or a mate.

Although the pain subsides over time, this feeling sometimes lasts for months. Give yourself and your partner enough time to get out of this state of mind. If you or your partner cannot get out of this state of mind slowly, seek medical help.

How long after an ectopic pregnancy will you try to have a baby?

If you both feel physically and mentally ready, you can try to conceive again. After receiving treatment for ectopic pregnancy, it is advisable to wait at least twice for menstruation before attempting to conceive again, so that your body may recover first.

After being treated with methotrexate, you are advised to wait at least 3 months before conceiving again, as it can be harmful to your baby if you become pregnant. Most women who have had an ectopic pregnancy have one of their ovaries cut off, but if the other ovary is healthy, they can conceive again. After all, 75% of women can successfully conceive within 18 months of having an ectopic pregnancy. However, some people may need treatment for infertility, such as IVF.

Once an ectopic pregnancy occurs, there is a risk of recurrence, although very small (about 10%).

If you become pregnant again, tell your doctor as soon as possible, so that you can check in advance to see if everything is OK.

Why is ectopic pregnancy?

Often the cause of ectopic pregnancy is not clearly understood. Occasionally there is a problem with the ovary, such as if its passage is narrowed or blocked.

The following factors increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID. Infections usually occur in any part of the female reproductive system, such as the uterus, ovaries, etc., due to a sexually transmitted infection;
• If you have ever had an ectopic pregnancy, the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy again is about 10%;
• If there has been a previous operation on the uterus, such as a failed infertility procedure or ligation;
• Infertility treatments such as IVF, infertility treatments often increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy by taking medications to increase ovulation, or ovulation, in the middle of the menstrual cycle;
• Pregnancy while using IUDs or IUSs for birth control is rare when using these, but if you do, you are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy;
• Smoking;
• Age – Women between the ages of 35 and 40 have the highest risk of ectopic pregnancy.

You can’t always prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but use a condom to prevent sexually transmitted infections when you don’t want to get pregnant, and try to stop if you smoke.