What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?

ectopic pregnancy

Issues with the reproductive system of a woman might be varied and one of these issues is an ectopic pregnancy. This is a rare occurrence, however, an increasing number of cases have been observed in recent times. This may be due to changes in lifestyle, irregularity in food habits, sleep schedule, substance abuse, or due to consumption of illicit drugs which leaves a major negative impact on the body.

Factors Which Increase The Risk Of An Ectopic Pregnancy

There are certain issues that can be pinpointed for causing ectopic pregnancy, which include the following:

  • Indisciplined lifestyle, as discussed above
  • Substance abuse, including tobacco, alcohol
  • Consumption of drugs such as cocaine, LSD, or heroin.
  • Having multiple sexual partners, which puts the woman at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Having a history of infertility
  • Endometriosis, which results in the formation of a lining across the uterus, preventing the egg from being attached to it.
  • Having pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • If the woman has previously undergone surgery on her fallopian tubes and had her tubes tied through a surgical procedure called tubal litigation
  • Having surgery in other reproductive regions of the body
  • Previous placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) inside the woman’s uterus for birth control
  • Availing of the IVF / In Vitro Fertilisation procedure.

The movement of the egg to the lining of the uterus gets affected, which results in the egg finding a place somewhere else in her reproductive system, usually in the fallopian tube. This is an abnormal occurrence and also a medical emergency. The situation needs to be dealt with promptly and immediately.

In a regular pregnancy that occurs without major complications, the fertilized egg in the woman’s reproductive system becomes attached to the lining of her uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is an unprecedented situation that might occur when a woman becomes pregnant, but her egg is situated not within the lining of her uterus.

When the fertilized egg attaches itself outside of the uterus, the situation is referred to as an ectopic pregnancy. The most common location for the fertilized egg to attach itself to is the fallopian tube.

Symptoms Of Ectopic Pregnancy

There are certain symptoms that may indicate an ectopic pregnancy in a woman. These include the following symptoms:

  • Abnormal and uncontrollable bleeding from the vagina
  • A constant feeling of weakness or dizziness
  • Chronic abdominal and pelvic pain
  • Complete loss of consciousness
  • Low blood pressure or hypotension
  • Feeling a massive amount of pain in the shoulder
  • Feeling an extreme amount of lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Feeling an abnormal amount of rectal pressure from time to time

Unfortunately, the fetus will be unable to survive when the woman experiences an ectopic pregnancy. The fallopian tube may burst, which will result in the massive abdominal or pelvic pain. The woman may also feel a strong urge to pass stool from time to time.

If left untreated, an uncontrollable amount of bleeding may occur which might even prove to be life-threatening for the woman. Hence, immediate medical intervention is needed in case of an ectopic pregnancy.

For more queries you can always consult with the best fertility expert in Siliguri.