Ectopic Pregnancy Signs Symptoms, Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment
Implantation of fertilized ovum other than the uterus tissue is called as ectopic pregnancy. Tubal pregnancy is the main form of ectopic pregnancy. Implantation of ovum also occurs in the cervix and ovaries and also can occur in abdomen. Great tissue damage occurs at the site of implantation other than the uterus and is very dangerous to health of mother. Early diagnosis and treatment helps in preventing the risks of ectopic pregnancy.
Usually the fertilized ovum has to be implanted in the uterus wall. In case of ectopic pregnancy, the ovum is implanted in the tubes which carries fertilized egg to uterus. The fallopian tubes are small tubes present both side of uterus.
Ectopic pregnancies are called as tubal pregnancies because morethan 95% pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube of the mother. Tissues other than uterus don’t have a nourishing tissue of growing fetus. Hence the implanted embryo bursts as it grows and causes damage to the implanted site. An ectopic pregnancy does not develop into a complete pregnancy and child birth is not possible.
Causes of ectpopic pregnancy
After fertilization the fertilized egg has to be attached in wall of uterus. In case of ectopic pregnancy egg becomes unable to come down from the fallopian tube t uterus. Inflammation or an infection of fallopian tube causes ectpopic pregnancy.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease ( PID ),
- Gonorrhea or chlamydial infection,
- and other infections causes blocking of fallopian tube,
- Partial or complete blockage of fallopian tube is the main cause of ectopic pregnancy.
- Endometriosis and
- Previous caesarian section may cause ectopic pregnancy.
- Scar formed due to surgery of fallopian tube or abdomen,
- Congenital defects or abnormal growths in reproductive structures.
- These are the main causes of ectopic pregnancy.
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy
The initial symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are similar to normal pregnancy such as
- Missed period usually indicates pregnancy and also may be symptom of ectopic pregnancy. The following symptoms are also common with normal pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy.
- Breast tenderness,
- Nausea, vomiting,
- Frequent urination, etc.
Actual symptoms of Ectopic pregnancy are
- Pain in pelvic region,
- Pain is sharp and stabbing,
- Unilateral pain occurs as implantation occurs in single side of tube,
- Rupture of the tube is main symptom of ectopic pregnancy.
- Internal bleeding at rupture of tissue site,
- Low blood pressure,
- Dizziness and painting, etc
- Are the main symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.
Treatment of Ectopic pregnancy
Treatment of an ectopic pregnancy depends on the condition of woman, size of fertilized egg, implantation of the pregnancy.
An early treatment of ectopic pregnancy includes injection of methotrexate, which disrupts the growth of the embryo and expels it out.
If the duration of pregnancy is long, the surgery to remove the abnormal pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy is needed. Large incision was made in older days to perform the surgery, and to remove ectopic pregnancy and it has become an easy procedure now because of modern technologies. Laparoscopy is the minimal invasive surgical procedure used to remove ectopic pregnancy or to treat ectopic pregnancy.
The obstetrician or surgeon makes small incisions in the lower abdomen and then inserts a tiny video camera and instruments through these incisions. The image is catched from camera and is shown on media in the operating theater. The image helps the surgeon to visualize inside of abdomen without making large incisions. The ectopic pregnancy is then surgically removed and other damaged organs are also repaired as per the requirement.
After surgery the HCG hormone level becomes zero. HCG hormone level becomes normal after a week of surgery. An elevated hCG could mean that some ectopic tissue is present in the fallopian tube. This ectopic tissue may have to be removed using methotrexate or additional surgery.
Ectopic pregnancy, Ectopic pregnancy symptoms signs treatment, the article describes all about ectopic pregnancy.
By pregnancy signs, June 9, 2010 @ 11:04 am
TI want to add Tests for Ectopic Pregnancy
First of all, a pregnancy test has to be done. After that sensitive urinary ELISA test is conducted. If it is negative then there is no sign of ectopic pregnancy. This may be confirmed with a blood sample taken later. Vaginal ultrasound can clearly confirm pregnancy in the womb from about 4.5-5 weeks onward. Once confirmed, an ectopic pregnancy is once again virtually excluded (except in the case of the extremely rareheterotopic pregnancy). Sometimes, vaginal ultrasound scan can clearly show an ectopic pregnancy in the tube next to the uterus.