If you are pregnant or would like to be a mom soon, it is normal to have doubts and even feel anxious about some situations you may experience. Ectopic pregnancy is one of the main fears of pregnant women, and that is why in this video we will talk to you about the topic.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
Pregnancy occurs when the egg fertilized by the sperm implants. For it to develop and come to term, this implantation must occur inside the uterus, as it is the only place where pregnancy can develop. We talk about ectopic pregnancy or extrauterine gestation when implantation occurs elsewhere, usually in the fallopian tubes. Fortunately, these are the most common ectopic pregnancies and have better diagnosis and treatment. Very rarely, it can also occur in other areas such as the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity. In none of these other locations can the pregnancy develop in any way, not only due to lack of space, but because the only structure prepared for the placenta to implant and transfer all the blood flow the baby will need (with oxygen and nutrients) is the uterus.
Why does an ectopic pregnancy occur?
The cause of ectopic pregnancy is an incorrect transport of the zygote to its implantation site. According to data from the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, it is estimated that approximately 1 to 2% of pregnancies are ectopic and that the incidence is increasing because women are becoming mothers at older ages, which increases the risk starting at 40 years old, and there is greater use of assisted reproduction techniques. Besides these, there are other specific risk factors that can increase the possibility of developing an ectopic pregnancy such as hormonal disorders, alterations in the fallopian tubes, sexually transmitted diseases, endometriosis, or smoking. Contrary to popular belief, IUDs are not a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy. What happens is that the IUD is very effective as a contraceptive preventing the implantation of the zygote in the uterus, but not if it implants elsewhere. Therefore, if a woman becomes pregnant using an IUD, it is quite likely to be an extrauterine gestation.
What are the symptoms of an extrauterine gestation?
An ectopic gestation can occur without the woman being aware of it, as the body itself reabsorbs the zygote implanted in the wrong place in 40-60% of cases, although it can cause symptoms. When this happens, frequently between weeks 6 and 12, a spontaneous miscarriage occurs that causes bleeding. The bleeding caused by an ectopic pregnancy via the vaginal route is scarce and dark, as it comes from the fallopian tube and by the time it exits the vagina it has oxidized and lost its initial bright red color. If such bleeding appears with pain, or if there is no bleeding but the abdominal pain is intense, it is advisable to go to emergency. There, blood tests and an ultrasound will be performed. The main symptom is abdominal pain, colicky type, in the lower area and on both sides of the abdomen, although up to one in three women with ectopic pregnancy do not feel anything. It may also be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, but these alone do not indicate that the pregnancy is not developing where it should, as these symptoms are typical at the start of a normal pregnancy. In other cases, a ruptured ectopic pregnancy may occur, in which the fallopian tube breaks due to the embryo’s growth and internal bleeding occurs. This situation is potentially serious because the hemorrhage can go unnoticed even if it is very abundant. If the condition evolves to tube rupture, the pain becomes very sharp and afterwards it may persist, decrease, or even disappear right after the rupture. Other symptoms that may appear, associated with heavy blood loss, are dizziness or loss of consciousness. Keep in mind this only happens in advanced cases without adequate treatment.
What should you do if you have possible symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
As at any time during your pregnancy, if you have doubts or feel unwell, the first thing you should do is talk to your doctor. He is the specialist and knows your case better than anyone, so he will advise you on the best treatment and the steps to follow. The same applies to a possible ectopic pregnancy. Contact him if you have any discomfort and, if necessary, go to emergency so they can check and treat you
What treatment does an extrauterine pregnancy have?
The treatment for this type of pregnancy depends on each woman’s situation as well as the location of the gestation. If the pregnant woman is stable, expectant management can be done, waiting for a spontaneous or pharmacological miscarriage. For expectant management, the woman is scheduled every 2-4 days for follow-up with blood tests and ultrasound until the hormone is no longer detected. Surgical treatment is currently reserved for severe cases with rupture and consists of removing the affected tube to avoid a new ectopic pregnancy in the future. This means the loss of natural fertility in the woman, but not of menstruation, since the ovaries are preserved. It does not prevent future pregnancy if it is achieved through fertilization. Although the aim is to interrupt the gestation, you should know that these treatments are not the same as those used for terminating a normal pregnancy.
Can an ectopic pregnancy be prevented?
Associated risk factors are very difficult to modify, but it is important to maintain healthy habits without smoking, care for reproductive health by avoiding genital infections, and try not to delay motherhood too much. There is no way to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, and it is known that if it has happened once, it is more likely to happen again than in a woman who has never had it. Still, I want to remind you that only about 1 to 2% of pregnancies are ectopic, and they are increasingly better diagnosed and treated.
Is a normal new pregnancy possible?
Despite this, it is very important to emphasize that the most common outcome after an ectopic pregnancy is that a new pregnancy will be completely normal and reach term without any problem. The time to wait before trying again will largely depend on the type of management carried out: In expectant management with reabsorption or spontaneous miscarriage, it is usually advised to wait at least one menstrual cycle. After pharmacological treatment, at least 3 months. After surgery, each case must be individualized, and the new pregnancy may need to be achieved through fertilization treatment. This period will also depend on the emotional state of the woman and her partner after the loss. The emotional impact of an ectopic pregnancy can be intense when it is the loss of a desired baby and there is awareness that the process can pose a risk to maternal health. It is necessary to give grief the time needed to resolve. Good mental and emotional health is as important as physical health for a new pregnancy and welcoming a baby.
The brands Beybies, Pura+ and NrgyBlast belong to Avimex de Colombia SAS. All products have quality certifications and valid sanitary registrations and are manufactured under the strictest international standards. To purchase our products you can access our Shop-On Line. All purchases are backed by a 100% satisfaction or refund guarantee.
The brands Beybies, Pura+ and NrgyBlast belong to Avimex de Colombia SAS. All products have quality certifications and valid sanitary registrations and are manufactured under the strictest international standards. To purchase our products you can access our Shop-On Line. All purchases are backed by a 100% satisfaction or refund guarantee.
