Ectopic Pregnancy

An Ectopic Pregnancy occurs when a fertilize egg is planted outside the womb (Uterus) in other words when an egg is misplaced (is not in the right place). A normal pregnancy suppose to grow inside the womb, when the case is reverse  it is called Ectopic Pregnancy. Ectopic means "Misplaced".

Ectopic pregnancy can occur in any sexually active woman. An ectopic pregnancy occurs in about 1 in 100 pregnancies.

Problems with an ectopic pregnancy

• The pregnancy often dies after a few days

• The pregnancy may grow for a while in the narrow Fallopian tube, this can stretch the tube and cause symptoms.

• The narrow Fallopian tube can only stretch a little, if the pregnancy grows further it will split (rupture) the Fallopian tube, this can cause heavy internal bleeding and pain

Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy

Symptoms typically develop around the sixth week of pregnancy. About two weeks after a missed period if your period is regular.

Symptoms may develop at any time between 4 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. You may not be aware you are pregnant, your periods may not be regular, or you may be using contraception and not realize it has failed. The symptoms can also start about the time a period is due. At first you may think the symptoms are just a late period.

The following are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy

• Pain on one side of the lower tummy (abdomen). It may develop sharply or may slowly get worse over several days.

• Vaginal bleeding often occurs, but not always. It is different from period, the blood may look darker and it may be heavier or lighter than a normal period.

• Diarrhea, Feeling faint, or pain on passing poo (faeces)

• Shoulder-tip pain may develop. This is due to some blood leaking into the abdomen and irritating the diaphragm the (the muscle used to breathe)

• You may develop severe pain or collapse, if the fallopian tube ruptures and causes internal bleeding.

• Collapse due to sudden heavy internal bleeding is sometimes the first sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment for ectopic pregnancy

Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy - Emergency Surgery is needed if a Fallopian tube rupture with heavy bleeding. This is to remove the ruptured Fallopian tube and remnant of the early pregnancy. The operation is often life-saving.

Early Ectopic Pregnancy (before rupture)

Surgery - Removal of the tube (either the whole tube or part of it). It is most commonly performde by keyhole surgery ( a laparoscopic operation). Removal of the fallopian tube contain the ectopic pregnancy.  However, many women with an ectopic pregnancy do not need to have an operation.

Medical Treatment - Medical treatment ectopic pregnancies is now more common and avoids the need for surgery. A medicine called methotrexate is often given,  to kill the cells of the pregnancy growing in the Fallopian tube, it is advice if the pregnancy is very early.

Wait and See (Expectancy) - Not all ectopic pregnancies are life threatening or lead to a risk to the mother. The pregnancy often dies in away similar to a miscarriage.