Ectopic Pregnancy

Numerous disorders and health problems could occur during pregnancy that impact the health of the mother, the fetus, or both, and this impact could be simple or severe according to the condition. Ectopic pregnancy is one of the most common and dangerous complications of pregnancy and should be managed quickly.

Female reproductive system

It’s generally composed of external and internal parts. The internal parts include the uterus, ovaries (they produce the eggs and hormones), and fallopian tubes (they’re connected to the upper part of the uterus, and they’re the path that the eggs go through to the uterus; fertilization between the egg and the sperm occurs in these tubes as well, and after that, the fertilized egg transmits to the uterus).

Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)

• After fertilization, the fertilized egg moves to the uterus to implant in it and grow to form the fetus, but in the case of ectopic pregnancy, this fertilized egg implants in place out of the uterus, mostly in one of the fallopian tubes.
• This condition occurs in 1 of every 100 pregnancies, and it’s considered the fourth reason of the most important causes that lead to the morality of the pregnant woman, and it’s also the first reason for the morality of the pregnant woman during the first trimester.

Causes of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)

• Around 50% of cases occur because of damage to the fallopian tube that’s resulted from a pelvic inflammatory disease (an inflammation in the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes).
• An abnormality in the fertilized egg.
• The occurrence of the pregnancy late in the cycle.
• The transmission of the fertilized egg from one fallopian tube to the other one.

Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)

• Previous ectopic pregnancy.
• Using an intrauterine device as contraceptive, but it’s rare.
• A history of having pelvic inflammatory diseases.
• Infertility.
• Infertility treatments, such as IVF injections.
• Previous surgeries in the fallopian tubes, for example, or abdominal surgeries.
• Abnormalities in the structure of the fallopian tubes or uterus.
• Smoking.

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)

• In the early stages, the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are similar to those of the normal one, in addition to other symptoms, such as pain in the lower back and abdomen and light vaginal bleeding or brown discharge.
• As the condition progresses, this could lead to the rupture of the fallopian tube, which causes heavy bleeding, hypotension, pain in the shoulder, and life-threatening symptoms like fainting and shock.

Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)

Testing the pregnancy hormone HCG in addition to performing an ultrasound exam to observe the uterus and the fallopian tubes. Sometimes, there might be a need to perform a laparoscopy to confirm the condition.

Treating ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)

The treatment includes medication or surgery.

• Medication: The patient is given methotrexate to stop the growth of the fertilized egg if the fallopian tube isn’t ruptured.
• Surgery: It’s applied when the patient can’t take medications (probably when the fallopian tube is ruptured).
• Most women can get pregnant successfully after an ectopic pregnancy, even if one of the fallopian tubes is ruptured with the other remaining intact. However, you should wait according to the recommendation of the specialist doctor.

Prevention of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)

• Unfortunately, this condition can’t be prevented, yet you can reduce the risk by avoiding smoking and following a healthy lifestyle.