Normally, during conception, sperm enters the vagina, then through the cervix into the uterus. Then fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes - the sperm fuses with the egg. A zygote is formed - a one-cell embryo, that is, the first stage of human development. The fertilized egg descends through the tubes into the uterus and begins to develop there.
But if for some reason the zygote does not enter the uterus, but gets stuck at some stage of the journey, the fetus begins to grow in the wrong place and an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed. In 98% of cases, an ectopic pregnancy develops in the tubes, but in rare cases the fertilized egg may be located in the ovaries or abdominal cavity.
An ectopic pregnancy is quite dangerous. After all, the embryo develops at a rapid speed and can simply rupture the tube with its growth, which leads to severe internal bleeding. This can lead to irreversible consequences. Therefore, it is very important to determine the presence of an ectopic pregnancy in the early stages. A woman’s future reproduction and even her life depend on this. But first, let's try to figure out what can lead to such a pathology.
Very often, an ectopic pregnancy develops after an invasion of the body in the past - after an induced abortion.
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy generally differ little from the first signs of a healthy pregnancy. The woman also begins to experience toxicosis, her menstruation is delayed, the test shows two lines. A woman feels a frequent urge to urinate, her chest becomes congested and her basal temperature rises. But how to distinguish a healthy pregnancy from an ectopic one based on the first signs? Here are a few symptoms that are characteristic of an ectopic pregnancy.
If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy, you should immediately consult a doctor. After all, a timely detected pregnancy can save the pipes from rupture. To verify the presence or absence of an ectopic pregnancy, your doctor may order tests for the hCG hormone.
Diagnostics confirmed the presence of an ectopic pregnancy in the woman’s body. What's next? And then laparoscopic surgery is necessary to remove the fertilized egg from the tube. An ectopic pregnancy never goes away without cleaning. If possible, doctors try to save the integrity of the tube, but if it is completely ruptured, it is removed along with the fetal body.
After surgery, it is very important to undergo a course of rehabilitation treatment, which will prevent the appearance of adhesions and scars on the tubes. After all, any obstructions in the tubes in the future can become another cause of ectopic pregnancy. After removal of an ectopic pregnancy, you cannot plan to conceive a child for at least six months.
If a woman suffers from an ectopic pregnancy, this does not mean that she cannot become a mother. After all, every woman has two fallopian tubes, and if, in the worst case scenario, one tube is removed, she is left with a second, completely reproductive one. Most women who experience an ectopic pregnancy are subsequently able to give birth to healthy children. And only 6-8% remain infertile after an ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy is not a death sentence. Conceiving and carrying a baby is a long and complex process, during which anything can happen. Ectopic pregnancy occurs in only 2% of all pregnancies. And if this happened to you, don’t despair. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment will restore your body. And then you will be able to turn this difficult page of your life and move on, becoming a mother more than once!
Every woman at some point has a desire to experience all the delights of motherhood. But sometimes the long-awaited 2 lines on the test mean an ectopic pregnancy, which is life-threatening for the woman. It is for this reason that representatives of the fairer sex should know how to identify this pathology at home.
The uterus is an organ necessary for bearing a fetus. In an abnormal pregnancy, the fertilized egg is implanted outside this organ. This leads to the impossibility of full development of the fetus (for example, attachment occurs in the ovaries or fallopian tubes). This condition of the body is called an ectopic pregnancy.
Characteristic signs of pathology:
If treatment is ignored, severe bleeding may occur, which threatens the woman’s life.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs for several reasons:
Quick detection of pathological pregnancy, as well as timely provision of medical care, will help prevent complications. But it is extremely difficult to identify pathology in the early stages, since its symptoms resemble a normal pregnancy. For example, delayed menstruation is present in both cases.
With pathology, spotting bloody discharge occurs. But even this symptom is not a sign of a problematic condition, because during normal pregnancy sometimes there is also discharge. But menstruation with pathological attachment of the fertilized egg has a slightly different character (long and dark in color). Therefore, women can distinguish normal discharge from abnormal discharge.
Another symptom of a pathological pregnancy is pain in the lower abdomen. In most cases, they occur in the first weeks of a missed period.
To recognize the pathological process, it is important to know the symptoms of normal and abnormal pregnancy.
Natural pregnancy has the following symptoms:
Distinctive features of ectopic pregnancy:
The main purpose of any pregnancy test is to detect the level of hCG, which begins to form regardless of the site of attachment of the fertilized cell. The test detects both natural and ectopic pregnancies. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to determine with the help of this device what kind of pregnancy you have.
Sometimes on the test you can see 2 stripes of different shades, one is lighter, the other is more saturated. In such a case, doctors advise trying several tests from different companies at intervals of several hours. If you have a similar result, be sure to visit a gynecologist.
If you suspect that your pregnancy is not progressing properly, do not hesitate, go to your doctor and get tested. Early diagnosis of the pathological condition will avoid complications.
The pharmacy sells a large number of cheap and expensive pregnancy tests. But they cannot show the presence of pathology. Only a doctor, after examination and tests, can determine what kind of pregnancy you have.
If there is a long delay in menstruation, be sure to go to the gynecologist to confirm the presence or absence of pregnancy.
There are certain tests on the market that can help diagnose ongoing conception, as well as pathological disorders in the early stages of pregnancy, for example: threatened miscarriage, abnormal attachment of the fetus.
These analyzers are quite easy to use at home. However, there is one important condition: the test can be used only in the first 2 weeks of a missed period.
To get an accurate result, follow certain rules:
The reliability of such a device is 90%, and its effectiveness in cases of threatened miscarriage is 65%. The indicators are high, but do not give a 100% guarantee, so you still have to visit a doctor.
The statistics of the modern world are scary - more than 12% of sexually mature women are aware of such a problem as ectopic pregnancy in the early stages. This is a very serious diagnosis that requires immediate surgical intervention.
This concept was first learned back in the 11th century - then a late medical examination very often led to death. In the modern world, doctors are highly qualified and have sufficient experience to prevent this problem. So, let's look at what an ectopic pregnancy is in the early stages.
After fertilization, the fertilized egg has three days to consolidate in the uterus
What is an ectopic pregnancy? This is a serious pathological condition of the female body, which poses a threat to the life of the unborn child and the woman herself.
During normal conception, the fertilized egg is located in the uterine cavity, and during ectopic conception, it is in one of the fallopian tubes, which leads to sharp pain in the lower abdomen and bleeding.
It is very important to understand the symptoms of the disease in time and visit an obstetrician-gynecologist.
The most common place for a fertilized egg to implant is the fallopian tube. But there are also frequent cases of its localization on the surface of the uterus or ovary itself, as well as the abdominal cavity or cervix.
A mature, formed egg leaves the ovary, entering the fallopian tube for fertilization during ovulation. When conception occurs, the zygote moves into the uterine cavity, where, in a normal pregnancy, it should attach to the wall of the uterus.
There are several types of ectopic pregnancy depending on the location of the fetus
This occurs due to contractions of peristalsis of the fallopian tubes and measured swaying of the villi located on the surface of the mucous membrane.
The entry of the egg into the uterine cavity, the so-called migration, occurs within 3 days. This period provides the embryo with the opportunity to secrete specific enzymes and form cells that are responsible for this process. Why is this necessary? In order for the formed zygote to safely attach to the surface of the mucous membranes.
Why does the zygote attach incorrectly and what contributes to this? All of these steps are very important for the correct location of the egg. But if a mechanical or hormonal stress factor appears on one of them along the path of the zygote, then the correct fertilization algorithm will be disrupted. The main reasons for the onset of ectopic pregnancy in the first weeks are:
Taking certain medications can cause ectopic pregnancy
What else can cause such a disease: tuberculosis (local), external endometriosis. This often occurs due to long-term treatment of infertility in women by taking hormonal drugs.
There is a possible threat of ectopic pregnancy in case of congenital pathologies in a girl. If a disease of the reproductive system is inherited, the risk of an ectopic pregnancy in the future is quite high.
The most important thing is to understand the cause of unpleasant symptoms and poor health in the early stages.
List of common diseases that lead to a terrible diagnosis among women:
Every woman who is concerned about her health should visit an antenatal clinic several times a year, especially if adhesions or scars have formed. If you consult a doctor in advance, the problem can be solved with the help of drugs or minimally invasive surgical techniques.
A common cause of pregnancy that is dangerous to a woman’s health can be improper contraception. For example, an intrauterine device. This is an effective method that protects the uterine cavity from attachment of the zygote to its walls.
This is what an intrauterine device looks like
However, it is important to follow the recommendations of doctors and not wear the device for more than the prescribed period. Most often it is 5 years. If this product is used for more than the above-mentioned period, it ceases to fully fulfill its purpose.
The body of a woman who is unable to conceive a child on her own can often interfere with artificial insemination. IVF is a serious process, which, it would seem, should take place without complications and risks, because it occurs completely under medical supervision. However, there is always a risk factor.
A gynecologist examining a couple wishing to conceive a child using this method may see an ectopic pregnancy and warn of possible health problems.
What else, besides the above factors, can cause an ectopic pregnancy? There are a number of stress factors:
According to statistics, it is women who are prone to bad habits who most often experience an ectopic pregnancy.
Recurrence of this condition in the future is a very common problem that any woman who has already experienced this once can face.
There are several categories of this diagnosis, according to the reasons and the general picture of the patient’s symptoms. The entire classification is relatively arbitrary, but presents a complex picture.
So, what types of pathological conditions can there be based on the location of the fertilized egg:
Stages of development of ectopic pregnancy:
Let's look at some of them in more detail.
During an ultrasound, the specialist will tell you exactly where the fetus is located.
According to statistics, more than 98% of cases are assigned to this type. It is here, in the fallopian tube, that fertilization and attachment to its wall occurs. In this case, an abortion occurs - the body rejects the embryo, because the tube environment is completely unsuitable for bearing a child.
Most often, after attachment to the wall, about 8 weeks pass before abortion. Another outcome that is much more dangerous for a woman’s health is a pipe rupture. This is fraught with profuse internal hemorrhage, as well as a large accumulation of blood clots inside the abdominal and uterine cavity.
This is a fairly rare type of ectopic pregnancy - it occurs on average in 1% of women. The process occurs as follows: the egg becomes mature already in the follicle, even before leaving it.
The fertilized egg attaches to the inner wall of the ovary. In this case, the development of the embryo can take quite a long time, since the exact characteristics can only be determined using ultrasound. Very often, visually and with the help of palpation, this phenomenon can be confused with a tumor. As a result, pregnancy can end in follicle rupture, bleeding and embryo death.
Pregnancy developing in the ovary poses serious health problems
This is a very rare pathology (0.5% of cases). The fertilized egg is implanted in the cervix or isthmus. The egg, as it should be, is fertilized in the uterus, but cannot be implanted into the inner wall due to the inferiority of the internal endometrium or the insufficiently mature structure of the embryo (trophoblast, which forms the outer membranes of the embryonic tissue).
These types are extremely dangerous for the patient’s health, as they can cause internal bleeding and blood poisoning (sepsis). In most cases, the uterus has to be completely removed.
Also, it is a fairly rare phenomenon - it occurs in approximately 0.4% of women. In this case, the embryo is attached not in the uterine cavity and not in the above locations, but in the abdominal cavity: in the peritoneum, on the omentum, spleen or liver. Fertilization also occurs here in the abdominal cavity - this is the primary form of pregnancy.
With secondary fertilization, fertilization occurs in the tube, then abortion occurs, and subsequently the fetus is attached inside the peritoneum. In this case, pregnancy is determined only when damage to organs or large vessels occurs.
A gynecologist diagnoses the disease. To make it convenient to make a conclusion in medicine, there is a certain classification of the stages of development of ectopic pregnancy.
If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy, visiting a gynecologist is mandatory.
Let's look at the dynamics of the problem:
According to statistics, there are often cases when there are two fertilized eggs and they are attached in different parts. There is also a multiple pregnancy, in which one egg is fixed in the uterine cavity, and the second is outside the uterus.
At such an early stage as 6 weeks, it is very difficult to accurately determine on your own (by signs and sensations) whether an ectopic pregnancy has occurred. Typical signs for all girls who are pregnant:
Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy most often occurs by chance, especially if there are no pronounced symptoms (heavy bleeding, acute pain in the lower abdomen). The most basic method to find out if everything is okay and how the pregnancy is developing is to do an ultrasound.
What is most interesting: the incorrect placement of the fertilized egg is determined completely without suspicion of an ectopic one, but when diagnosing pathologies not related to this problem.
How does an ectopic pregnancy occur in practice? It is characterized by the entry of the embryo into the fallopian tube, which is often associated with the improper functioning of this organ. While passing through the tube, the zygote attaches to the wall, being sucked into it.
Heavy bleeding is usually due to the fact that the fetus, developing and increasing in size, simply ruptures the fallopian tube. If this happens, the patient must be operated on urgently.
The characteristic difference between ectopic and normal pregnancy is that in the first case the woman cannot carry and give birth to a child. According to statistics, approximately 2% of women have encountered this problem.
The doctor who diagnosed the pathology must have sufficient experience to correctly allocate the period of preparation for the operation and the operation itself.
The fallopian tube, in which the embryo develops, begins to gradually increase in size, which is a natural process, however, it is incorrect against the background of the normal development of pregnancy. Most often, it is thanks to the enlargement of the appendages that a woman begins to feel and notice that something is wrong in her body. The appendages are not at all designed for such a load, stretching to their maximum size.
Pain in the appendages may be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy
If you do not pay attention in time, do not react and do not go to the antenatal clinic, then you can get a rupture of the membrane, which will provoke serious and life-threatening bleeding. Mucous and bloody discharge, unusual for the abdominal cavity, gets inside, causing infection.
Next comes the fertilized egg. As a result, sepsis or peritonitis may occur, which is accompanied by agony and acute pain. Due to damage to blood vessels, bleeding occurs.
When this happens, the girl’s condition can be called critical and urgent hospitalization is required.
What symptoms should you expect if your pregnancy ends unexpectedly? Every woman should know and remember this:
What period can become critical for a patient with an ectopic pregnancy? The period from 3 to 6 weeks is considered the most unpleasant and dangerous. If an abortion occurs (spontaneous), the disease becomes obvious.
Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is carried out at a certain time
An alarm bell when determining pregnancy using an hCG test is the absence of any signs indicating the onset of pregnancy during an ultrasound. If the fertilized egg is located in the rudimentary horn of the uterine cavity, determining the pathology is much more difficult and can only be detected at 10–16 weeks.
As with the normal development of pregnancy, menstruation in the early stages of an ectopic pregnancy can be: they have a spreadable consistency and a color unusual for normal menstruation. As a rule, they do not last long - only a couple of days, although they arrive on time. This is the first sign, because with normal menstruation this cannot happen.
The first thing most girls do is buy a test. In any case, its result will be positive, but in our case, the second strip will be a little blurry and without clear contours. This is due to the fact that the level of hCG is still much lower, since the zygote is localized to the tubal tissues.
There are specially developed ultra-sensitive tests that are distinguished by the recognition of various pathologies. However, it must be done on time and it has a fairly high price.
Let us remind you that the most effective way to determine VD is to conduct an ultrasound examination. To distinguish it from appendicitis or ovarian apoplexy, it is necessary to draw up a whole protocol, which indicates the main characteristics and features of the pathology.
Another reliable way to check for an ectopic pregnancy is to take a puncture of the pouch of Douglas. What is meant? A small area between the uterus and the anterior surface of the rectum. By piercing the posterior fornix of the vagina, the doctor removes fluid for further examination in the laboratory.
An accurate diagnosis can only be made after receiving the results.
The corpus luteum is a specific gland that is produced during ovulation, and in turn produces progesterone. After the release of the corpus luteum within 14 days, the egg must be fertilized. If this does not happen, the VT dies.
In the event of conception and pregnancy, it continues to produce progesterone. If after ovulation, menstruation does not occur 14 days later, and an ultrasound examination does not show the presence of pregnancy, the latter can be determined by the presence of this gland. So it can.
Laparoscopy is one of the effective modern medical techniques that helps identify a fairly large number of problems with women’s health. This technique is classified as minimally invasive; with its help you can not only identify, but also remove the embryo. This is one of the safest ways to treat pathologies, including ectopic pregnancy.
The consequences are really serious and sad:
There are two known methods of treating ectopic pregnancy and its consequences: medication or surgery. The most important thing is to seek help from a doctor in time, before complications arise.
In the recent past, during surgery, the uterus and tubes were completely removed, depriving the woman of the opportunity to become a mother. In modern medicine, there are good methods for maintaining the full functioning of the reproductive system, which provides huge benefits in the future.
If the fertilized egg does not stop growing, a medicinal technique is used. Special drugs stop the growth and development of the fetus, leading to its freezing. Next, the internal cavity where the fertilized egg is attached is cleaned and subsequent treatment with antibiotics occurs.
A doctor may prescribe medication to treat a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus.
This method also has serious drawbacks: the woman may experience baldness or complications with her kidneys. Therefore, doctors strongly recommend deciding on a painless operation that gives 100% results.
The success of the final goal depends only on timely treatment - it is very important that every girl is able to determine the onset of an ectopic pregnancy in the early stages.
Until the emergency ambulance arrives, it is very important that the patient is in a strictly horizontal body position. All other actions of doctors depend directly on the stage at which they asked for help.
Self-medication is strictly prohibited, regardless of the period at which bleeding and detachment of the ovum occurred. Going to a hospital for examination is the only necessary and correct decision for a patient with a suspected ectopic pregnancy.
For this purpose, micropreparations and macropreparations are used, which are allowed only for a relatively short period of time. The most common medicine is Methotrexate. It is used to freeze the fetus and its gradual resorption.
Today, there are non-surgical methods for treating ectopic pregnancy.
But it is worth remembering the serious side effects that may occur, so such treatment should be prescribed in extreme cases. In addition, this remedy is hormonal and it is quite possible that the hormonal balance will be affected.
It all depends on the period of development and the doctor’s preliminary conclusions regarding complications. Everything takes no more than half an hour. The operation will take longer if the fertilized egg has reached a large size, bleeding has occurred due to a ruptured fallopian tube, or other problems.
The duration and complexity of rehabilitation also directly depends on the above factors. Eating and getting out of bed little by little is allowed the very next day.
A common open surgical method, used mainly in the early stages. They are often used at later stages, depending on the patient’s condition. In this case, the lower part of the abdominal cavity is cut, exposing the appendages and uterus. Clamps are used to stop the bleeding, and if necessary, the tissue is sutured. Rehabilitation is long and very difficult - hospitalization, constant examination by a doctor and proper care.
This method is used when others have proven ineffective in the early stages. This is especially important if there is heavy bleeding, which can easily lead to death. Recovery after such an intervention is very long and difficult; it is a dangerous and complex method.
Through a small incision, the doctor, when positioning the fetus inside the tube, carefully dissects part of the tube along with the embryo. If the latter is located in the abdominal cavity, it must be removed openly. also cannot be delayed - it should be promptly removed.
Milking
Another way to remove the fertilized egg from the fallopian tube. Its difference from the standard method is that the fruit is squeezed out of the cavity of the tube, avoiding incision and mechanical damage. Thanks to such gentle techniques, it is possible to preserve full reproductive function, since this method is less traumatic.
The only thing that is important to remember: this method can only be used at the earliest stages and in a specific position of the embryo: it should be close to the exit from the tube. In addition, this technique is used only with a relatively small diameter of the fertilized egg.
Also used in early pregnancy. In case of pipe ruptures and bleeding, the method is strictly forbidden to use. If the diameter of the ovum is more than 5 cm, the hemodynamics are unstable, and the hCG level is more than 15,000 IU, salpingotomy cannot be used.
For maximum safety of the tube, only the section where the fertilized egg is located is removed. If the case is extremely advanced, the organ is removed completely. If pregnancy occurs in the future, there are often cases of repeated pathology, but in a different tube.
To avoid pathologies, a woman should monitor her health
This is a low-traumatic technique of modern medicine, widely used for examining and treating human internal organs. There are no painful or uncomfortable sensations during the operation, since surgery takes place under anesthesia. In this case, the tissues are minimally damaged, due to which rehabilitation occurs quite quickly. What does the surgical technique include:
The doctor decides upon a more thorough examination to remove or leave the fallopian tube. If there are no irreversible consequences on it or it is not too damaged, everything can be saved. The advantage of this technique is that it is very effective, but quite expensive.
What is the rehabilitation (recovery) of a woman after an ectopic pregnancy:
A healthy lifestyle will help the body recover faster after an ectopic pregnancy.
Also, doctors recommend various therapeutic exercises and procedures for general recovery. As for the possibility of conceiving a child in the future: this is only possible if after the operation the woman has at least one tube left with sufficient patency.
You can begin an active sexual life with the goal of getting pregnant only after 1 year after the operation and with the condition of complete recovery. The most important thing is medical care provided in advance.
Many women who have experienced ectopic pregnancy create entire conversations on women's forums, talking about treatment methods and their feelings. This very often helps many people identify this in themselves, referring to certain symptoms and signs. Below are the most common questions regarding the rehabilitation period and beyond.
For a specific answer to this question, it is important to consult a gynecologist. To get permission to continue sexual activity, it is important to get stronger and be psychologically prepared. Vaginal examination is a mandatory procedure.
According to medical practice, this is excluded. An ectopic pregnancy is too serious a disease not to undergo surgery and expect self-healing.
After an ectopic pregnancy, there is a high chance of carrying and giving birth to a child.
In order to minimize the risk of such a disease, namely, improper attachment of the fertilized egg, you should avoid all accompanying factors that could become a provocateur.
What does prevention of ectopic pregnancy mean? Let's take a closer look at the set of procedures:
Ectopic pregnancy is a fairly serious phenomenon that can be fatal. If you follow the above simple rules, do not neglect personal hygiene and promptly treat diseases and pathologies, the risk of an ectopic pregnancy is minimized.
On the path to motherhood there are unexpected, serious obstacles. One of them is ectopic pregnancy (EP). Almost every woman is at risk. This diagnosis can lead to death. In 35% of cases, the reason for the development of the embryo in an atypical place cannot be established.
Factors that increase the risk of developing atypical localization of gestation:
The biggest mistake women make is to take a test at home after a missed period and rejoice in the pregnancy. Immediately after this, you need to register and have an ultrasound examination. Because only ultrasound can determine where exactly the fertilized egg was attached.
A rapid test allows you to suspect the ectopic location of the embryo with (INEXSCREEN). This is important for women at risk for pathological pregnancy. The test results can be reliably confirmed or refuted by ultrasound. During the study, you can see the localization of the fertilized egg and the heartbeat of the embryo.
A sign of an ectopic pregnancy after a rupture of the fallopian tube will be sharp pain during vaginal examination.
An ultrasound can determine the absence of a fertilized egg in the uterine cavity, and in the area of the appendages you can see signs of additional formation. Another symptom is the accumulation of fluid in the pouch of Douglas.
For diagnostic purposes, a puncture of the posterior vaginal vault is performed - a puncture with a thick needle. In this way, internal bleeding into the abdominal cavity is diagnosed or excluded. The presence of blood in the retrouterine space is an indicator that surgery is required. Immediate surgery can be performed using a laparoscope (through punctures in the anterior abdominal wall) or through abdominal access (an incision in the anterior abdominal wall).
The most accurate diagnosis is made during laparoscopy.
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that does not involve dissection of the abdominal cavity. Holes are made in the abdominal wall. Through them, using a small optical camera, doctors examine the abdominal cavity. And with the help of special instruments, an operation is performed to remove the fertilized egg and stop the bleeding. Diagnostic laparoscopy for ectopic pregnancy (examination of the abdominal organs) can go straight into surgery.
With a progressive ectopic pregnancy, laparoscopy allows you to get rid of the fertilized egg before the fallopian tube ruptures and avoid more dangerous complications.
The only possible method of treating an ectopic pregnancy (interrupted) is the operation of salpingectomy - removal of the fallopian tube.
A destroyed fallopian tube must be removed for two reasons:
The method of operation can be laparotomic or laparoscopic. This depends on the technical availability of the medical institution, the qualifications of the doctor and the solvency of the patients.
To treat progressive ectopic pregnancy, there are other surgical options:
The most correct approach to preventing ectopic pregnancy is full preparation for conception: examination of the woman and man. This main rule applies to all couples who want to get pregnant.
It is necessary to minimize the occurrence of the causes leading to this pathology:
A repeat ectopic pregnancy can result in both of a woman's tubes being removed. If there are no children, then the only way to get pregnant and give birth in these cases is only through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
If you were diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy and one tube was removed, this is not a death sentence. There is still a chance of getting pregnant naturally.
A pregnancy is called ectopic when a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube, ovary, abdomen, or cervix. In this case, it is impossible to carry and give birth to a child; in addition, the pathology poses a danger to the health and life of the woman herself. Therefore, it is important to detect symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, diagnose and treat them as early as possible.
The severity of symptoms may vary. Sometimes women already identify the manifestations of pathology in their early stages. But there are situations when ectopic implantation of the fertilized egg becomes known after a sharp deterioration in health and an ambulance is called.
But there are several signs that may indicate ectopic implantation of the embryo:
If a specialist suspects the development of an ectopic pregnancy, the following studies are prescribed:
Since ectopic pregnancy occurs in different ways, specific symptoms may appear gradually, late or completely absent until an emergency condition develops (with bleeding, rupture of the fallopian tube, etc.). Therefore, you should not hope only for a deterioration in your health; it is necessary to carry out diagnostic procedures in parallel: determination of hCG, ultrasound.
The first symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy coincide with those of a normal pregnancy: general weakness, drowsiness appears, and the mammary glands swell. Pathological implantation does not manifest itself in any way at first. A woman may also experience: nausea, vomiting, dizziness.
At this stage, an ectopic pregnancy can sometimes be determined by testing the level of hCG in the urine. As noted above, in this case, its results may be delayed for several days, since the hormone is produced more slowly than usual. Therefore, if a woman notices signs of pregnancy, but the test gives a negative result, it is likely that the fertilized egg has settled outside the uterus.
An ectopic pregnancy in the early stages has the same symptoms as a normal one, but their nature is somewhat different:
At later stages, the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy increase faster, and in a critical situation - rapidly. A woman’s blood pressure drops sharply, she experiences frequent dizziness, and her body temperature rises. Sometimes there are signs of anemia due to decreased hemoglobin levels.
If the fallopian tube ruptures and internal bleeding develops, this is manifested by very severe pain, shock, and loss of consciousness. Urgent medical attention is required.
For each type of pathological fixation of the ovum, there are characteristic symptoms:
What is an ectopic pregnancy and what symptoms are typical for it? With this pathology, the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus: most often in the fallopian tube, less often in the ovary, abdominal cavity, and cervical region.
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