Ectopic comes from the Greek word "ektopis" which exactly means "out of place". Ectopic pregnancy is referred to a pregnancy where a fertilized egg establishes itself anywhere except the endometrial lining of the uterus. It usually implants in the fallopian tube, abdomen or the ovaries. Around 90-95 percent of the cases the implantation takes place in the fallopian tubes, this is the cause why it is also termed as tubal pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy takes place as the consequence of the fertilized eggs fail to pass down from the fallopian tube to the uterus. The reason may be by an infection like pelvic inflammatory disease or puffiness that has created an obstacle inside the fallopian tube. Several other reasons for growing ectopic pregnancy are:
1. History of Ectopic pregnancy or Pelvic infections is the main cause.
2. Specifically after the age of 40’s.
3. Prior surgery to: The abdomen or the fallopian tubes (in certain cases woman may go through a repeal tubal ligation to restore the spoiled fallopian tubes).
4. Having endometriosis, fibroids or pelvic scar tissue.
Since, it is significant to observe that some women who suffer from ectopic pregnancy do not have risks mentioned above.
Though there are various signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, usually it is tricky to identify, because its symptoms are generally misguided for other early pregnancy signs like:
1. Missed out period or bleeding or spotting
2. Tenderness or puffiness of breasts
3. Nausea, vomiting, queasiness
4. Low blood pressure
5. Frequent urination
6. Dizziness
Though, ache in the pelvic area, lower back or abdomen is generally the initial symptom of ectopic pregnancy. Ache is generally engrossed in a particular area but may differ in intensity.
Initially a urine based test would be performed; if the outcome is affirmative then steps would be taken to measure the levels of HCG (Human Chronic Gonadtropin), a hormone that is produced by the placenta. As the pregnancy steps forward, the level of HCG obviously enhances. Consequently, if the test discloses the level of HCG, which is found to be lower than, what was ordinarily anticipated at the stage of the pregnancy, it is feasible that the pregnancy would be referred to as an ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy would every time result the loss of embryo. If it is not treated, it would result in infertility. The drug called methroxtrexate should be given. This can only be given through injection into the bloodstream so that it reaches the embryo, making the end of the pregnancy. At the time of this procedure, you may suffer from abdominal ache, cramping, nausea or diarrhea. This can be done only when the size of the embryo is below 3.5 cm. This drug continues to work and stops the growth rapidly. If there are possibilities of rupture, then surgery is compulsory.
Laparoscopic surgery is advisable. This is done by a minute cut made in the abdomen; in this process the doctor may use a small camera to examine the tubes. Usually this sort of surgeries does not spoil the tubes.
