What is an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy can be described as a complicated pregnancy where the fertilized egg is fixed in the fallopian tubes, ovaries or cervix. Based on the area of the implantation, ectopic pregnancies are known as tubal or cervical pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies are highly dangerous because they are located in other areas besides the uterus. As the foetus develops, it could result in damaging the organ around it. This leads to serious complications and can threaten the mother’s life.

What are the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancies can sometimes appear as normal pregnancies, which is why diagnosis is tricky. The most common signs of an ectopic pregnancy include nausea, vomiting, missed periods, fatigue, frequent urination, and abdominal cramps. Here are some more serious symptoms associated with an ectopic pregnancy:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe pelvic pain
• Fainting or dizziness resulting from blood loss
• Lower back pain
• Low blood pressure

What are the causes of an ectopic pregnancy?

It has been difficult for doctors to ascertain the exact causes of an ectopic pregnancy, but there are certain conditions that can increase your chances.

• Hormonal factors/ IUCD
• Birth defects
• Genetic abnormalities
• Scarring or damage to the fallopian tubes caused by an earlier medical condition
• Scarring caused by previous surgery
• Diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhoea that cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis

How can an ectopic pregnancy be treated?

The location and size of the fertilized egg helps determine how the ectopic pregnancy can be treated. If the ectopic pregnancy is in its early stages, it can be treated with medication such as methotrexate. If the pregnancy is over a few months, it will have to be terminated and removed via surgery. Doctors today are able to use less-invasive procedures like laparoscopy to removed ectopic tissue that results in minimal scarring and lesser recovery time.