Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy can be a very terrible experience, but the vast majority of women recover after this and subsequently give birth to healthy children. The term "ectopic" means that the embryo grows outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes, where it can not survive. Most ectopic pregnancies are resolved naturally in a period of about six weeks or earlier. You may not even know that you were pregnant at all. And even pain in the abdomen can be the norm with this. However, if the pain becomes more serious long-term - ectopic pregnancy continues. This is extremely dangerous, since your fallopian tubes can burst at any time, so you should seek medical help immediately. This article will help you find the answers to all questions related to this difficult topic. So, ectopic pregnancy: everything that you were afraid to ask.

Ectopic pregnancy occurs in 1 in 80 women. Although many cases of ectopic pregnancy are being considered without the need for surgery, you should always consult a doctor urgently if you think an ectopic pregnancy has occurred. Symptoms are listed below, but include pain in the lower abdomen, which can become a serious signal. The rupture of the fallopian tubes threatens the life of a woman, in such cases emergency surgery is needed.

Where ectopic pregnancy develops.

In most cases, an ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg is anchored inside the fallopian tubes. Rarely, ectopic pregnancy occurs in other places, such as the ovaries or abdominal cavity. Further, it will only be about the tubal ectopic pregnancy.

Problems associated with ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic tubal pregnancy never survives. Possible outcomes include:

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.

Symptoms usually appear at the 6th week of pregnancy. This is approximately 2 weeks after menstruation, if you have a regular cycle. However, the symptoms can develop at any time between 4 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. You may not know that you are pregnant. For example, your cycle is not regular or you use contraceptives that violate it. Symptoms may also resemble ordinary menstruation, so you do not immediately "sound an alarm." The most noticeable can be only symptoms of the late period. Symptoms include one or more symptoms:

Who is at risk for ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy can occur in any sexually active woman. Nevertheless, the "chances" you have higher, if ...

- If you have had infections of the uterus and fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease) in the past. Usually it is caused either by chlamydia or gonorrhea. These infections can lead to the formation of scars on the fallopian tubes. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are common causes of pelvic infection.
- Previous operations for sterilization. Although sterilization is a very effective method of contraception, pregnancy does sometimes occur, but approximately 1 out of 20 cases are ectopic.
- Any previous operations on the fallopian tube or nearby organs.
- If you have endometriosis.

If you are in any of the above groups, consult your doctor as soon as you think you can be pregnant. Tests can detect pregnancy after 7-8 days after fertilization, which may already be before menstruation.

How can an ectopic pregnancy be confirmed?

If you have symptoms that may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, you will usually be placed in the hospital right away.

What are the options for treating an ectopic pregnancy?

At break .

An emergency operation is required when the fallopian tube ruptures with severe bleeding. The main goal is to stop the bleeding. The rupture of the fallopian tubes is eliminated, the fetus is removed. This operation often saves a life.

With ectopic pregnancy in the early stages - before the rupture.

Ectopic pregnancy is often diagnosed before the break. Your doctor will give advice on treatment, which can include the following.

Most often women are concerned about one common question: "What is the probability of having a future normal pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy?" Even if you remove one of the fallopian tubes, that is about 7 out of 10 chances of having a normal pregnancy in the future. (The other of the fallopian tubes will still work). However, there is a probability (1 case out of 10) that this can lead to another ectopic pregnancy. It is therefore important that women who have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past consult a doctor at the beginning of a future pregnancy.

It's normal to feel anxious or depressed for a while after the treatment. Anxiety about a possible future ectopic pregnancy affects fertility, and sadness about the "death" of pregnancy is normal. Talk with your doctor about this and other problems after treatment.

Finally.