An ectopic pregnancy often occurs in the fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy is called a tubal pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy also can occurs in other body areas, like the abdominal cavity, ovary, or the lower part of the uterus attached to the vagina.
An ectopic pregnancy can’t proceed commonly. This is because the fertilized egg can’t survive, and the growing tissue may cause life-threatening bleeding if left untreated.
Table of Contents
What does an ectopic pregnancy feel like?
You may not feel any symptoms of ectopic pregnancy at first. However, some women may feel the usual early signs or symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, including:
- A missed period
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
Early warning of ectopic pregnancy
- The often warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are mild vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.
- If blood flows from the fallopian tube, you can feel shoulder pain or an urge to have a bowel movement. Your specific symptoms are depended on where the blood collects and which nerves are irritated.
Emergency symptoms
- If the implanted egg continues to grow in the fallopian tube, it can cause the tube to rupture and starts heavy bleeding inside the abdomen. Symptoms of this life-threatening experience include extreme light headedness, fainting, and shock.
Causes
A tubal pregnancy is the most basic type of ectopic pregnancy. It happens when an implanted egg gets stuck on its way to the uterus because the fallopian tube is damaged by inflammation.
Hormonal imbalances or abnormal growth of the fertilized egg also play a role.
Ectopic pregnancy miscarriage
In many cases of ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg dies quickly and, your system breaks the fertilized egg down before you miss your period or after you experience some slight pain and bleeding. Thus Ectopic pregnancy can lead to miscarriage.
In these cases, an ectopic pregnancy is rarely diagnosed, and it is assumed to be a miscarriage. Therefore, nothing needs to be done in these circumstances.
Ectopic pregnancy without bleeding
However, suppose you experience typical pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, painful breasts, or a swollen abdomen but no bleeding or pain.
In that case, this does not completely rule out an ectopic pregnancy, although this is rare. A true period should be normal flow and duration for you.
Risk factors
Some conditions that make you more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy are:
- Previous ectopic pregnancy. If you’ve had this type of pregnancy before, you’re more likely to have another.
- Inflammation or infection. Sexually transmitted infections can cause inflammation in the tubes and increase your risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
- Fertility treatments. Some research suggests that women in vitro fertilization or similar treatments are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy. Infertility itself can also raise your risk.
- Tubal surgery. Surgery to repair a damaged fallopian tube can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
- Choice of birth control: If you get pregnant with an IUD in place, it’s more likely to be ectopic. Tubal ligation, a permanent method of birth control commonly known as “having your tubes tied,” also raises your risk if you become pregnant after this procedure.
- Smoking: Smoking just before you get pregnant can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. The more you smoke, the higher the risk.
Side effects after ectopic pregnancy surgery
Prevention
There are no alternatives to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but here are some ways to decrease your risk:
- Limiting the number of sexual partners and using a condom during sex helps prevent sexually transmitted infections and may reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Don’t smoke. If you do, stop before you try to get pregnant.
Conclusion
Sadly, there is no possibility that your pregnancy can survive. The loss of your pregnancy is likely to make you feel very sad. In addition, this may be the first time you have heard about this condition, and you may also feel shocked, confused, and anxious about the future.
Allow yourself time to recover physically and emotionally before trying to get pregnant again. It is recommended that you wait for at least three months for your body to recover. You are the best judge of the time needed for your emotional healing.
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