He ectopic pregnancy It is a very rare pathology, which occurs in 1-2% of pregnancies. But what is it exactly?
It is characterized by the implantation of the zygote in a site other than the uterine cavity.
In 95% of cases, the embryo is located in the Fallopian tubewhich prevents it from developing properly.
It can also be implanted in:
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The ovaries, called an ovarian ectopic pregnancy
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In the horn of the uterus (cornual pregnancy)
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In the uterine (cervical) cervix
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On the scar of a previous cesarean section
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In the abdomen itself.
The latter occurs in very few cases and endangers the life of the pregnant woman.
What are the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancies are rare, only occurring in 2 out of 100 pregnancies, and everything seems normal at first.
This is how the doctor warns this portal John Louis Delgadoof the (SEGO), who ensures that the result of the pregnancy test is positive, since it detects high levels of HCG in the urine, despite the fact that the fertilized egg has not reached the uterus.
The first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are bleedingirritation of the peritoneum, and abdominal paindue to the distension of the fallopian tubes.
In the most serious cases, a rupture of the tubes themselves can occur, which are the two thin tubes that start from the uterus to the ovary on each side of the vagina, since they are not prepared to receive a pregnancy. This can lead to internal bleeding and even infection.
However, they are not the only symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. There are others like:
- Pain in the shoulder.
- Urgency to go to the bathroom.
- Weakness and/or feeling faint.
Which is the treatment?
Normally, from the 6th or 7th week of gestation there is bleeding and abdominal pain and, as a consequence, a spontaneous abortion.
It can also be detected in a routine review.
“With current ultrasound it is very simple and any specialist can diagnose it, since it is seen that the uterine cavity is empty even if the pregnancy test has been positive.”
Ectopic pregnancy can be treated in several ways:
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Surgical intervention through laparoscopy.
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Injection. Through a medicine called methotrexate, cell growth stops and existing cells dissolve. “It is a safe treatment and is currently performed in most Spanish hospitals.”
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expectant behaviour. In stable and asymptomatic patients “without abdominal blood, the pregnancy is interrupted and absorbed little by little.”
Risk factors: why do ectopic pregnancies occur?
- Pelvic inflammatory disease. Infection in the fallopian tubes after an (STD). It is one of the main causes of ectopic pregnancies.
- Assisted reproductive techniques. In vitro fertilization increases the incidence of this pathology because although “the embryo is introduced into the uterine cavity, it can migrate to another site.”
- Birth defects in the fallopian tubes.
- Previous ectopic pregnancy.
- Mother’s age. It is considered that from the age of 35, the risk for an ectopic pregnancy increases.
Doctor Delgado, yes, points out that it is possible to become pregnant again after an ectopic pregnancy. If the fallopian tubes have been damaged, you can opt for assisted reproductive techniques.