The word ectopic literally means outside of the normal place, and that’s exactly where an ectopic pregnancy occurs – outside of the uterus. While most pregnancies are typically located within the uterus, sometimes a fertilized egg becomes attached to one of the fallopian tubes rather than the uterus wall. This can cause damage to the fallopian tube, which often leads to pain in the lower abdomen as well as bleeding from the fallopian tube into your abdominal cavity. An ectopic pregnancy can be dangerous if not treated properly and requires quick action by your doctor and an emergency room visit.
An ectopic pregnancy is dangerous
An ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous condition for both the mother and the baby. It occurs when a fertilized egg implants in a fallopian tube, rather than the uterus. The fallopian tubes are responsible for carrying the embryo to the uterus and if they are damaged, it can result in death or serious health consequences. An ectopic pregnancy can cause severe pain that may be mistaken as muscle cramps or period pain and should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.
What causes ectopic pregnancy?
The fertilized egg can sometimes attach to the Fallopian tube instead of the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening for the mother. Ectopics are often not detected until it’s too late, because symptoms like pelvic pain or missed periods may go unnoticed. It’s important to contact your doctor as soon as you experience any signs of an ectopic pregnancy, in order to get treatment right away.
What are the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?
The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are similar to those of a normal pregnancy. The most common symptom is abdominal pain, which can range from mild to severe and may come and go. Other symptoms include vaginal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fatigue. However, the absence of these symptoms does not guarantee that an ectopic pregnancy isn’t happening.
Should I take medication or go to hospital right away?
If you have symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, you should contact your doctor immediately. If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or any other symptoms not mentioned above and are unsure whether it may be an ectopic pregnancy, please contact your doctor. What is the chance that I will miscarry my fetus?: The chances of miscarrying your fetus depends on the extent of the damage done to the embryo as a result of the ectopic pregnancy.
Can I still have children if I had an ectopic pregnancy?
If you had an ectopic pregnancy, there is a possibility that your fallopian tubes are ruptured or damaged. This will make it more difficult to become pregnant. With an ectopic pregnancy, the egg did not travel to the uterus and implant in the uterine lining, so it cannot develop into a fetus. Instead, the egg implants on other organs such as the fallopian tube. An ectopic pregnancy can result in rupture of the fallopian tube and internal bleeding. There can also be damage to the ovaries and uterus, which may make future pregnancies difficult. However, this does not mean that you will never have children again; it just means they may take longer than they would otherwise.