Ectopic Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments Options

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

As the name suggests, ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that is not inside the uterus. The fertilized egg rather develops inside or on the different reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or other organs such as in the abdomen or on the cervix.

Unlike normal pregnancies, the fertilized egg hence does not receive these things:

• The space to grow ( e.g – fallopian tubes)
• The nutritive supply (e.g – cervix/ ovaries/ abdomen)

For the same reasons, the fetus doesn’t grow beyond 12 weeks, and its dislodge, or the tubes’ rupture can cause extensive bleeding, leading to acute pain, vaginal bleeding, lightheadedness, nausea, or death.

Types of Ectopic Pregnancy

1. Fallopian Ectopic: When the embryo starts growing inside the tube instead of the womb. It’s the most common type and calls for immediate medical care. 
2. Ovarian Ectopic : The abnormal pregnancy starts growing in the ovary. Although not very common, it still may happen. 
3. Abdominal Ectopic: The embryo settles outside the uterus in the stomach area. Quite rare and can be highly risky. 
4. Cervical Ectopic:  The embryo attaches low down on the cervical region. It causes abnormal heavy bleeding.

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Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms

• Sharp stinging pain in the lower abdomen, mostly one-sided and suddenly kicks and keeps getting intense. 
• Discomfort or pelvic pain which differs from normal menstrual cramps and worsens if pressure exerted
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding that can be lighter or heavier than the normal menstrual bleeding, it can be darker in colour.
• Unexpected pain in the shoulder tip or upper back that occurs due to internal bleeding which irritates the diaphragm 
• Getting dizzy, lightheaded or even fainting due to internal bleeding which drops the blood pressure.
• Nausea or vomiting along with stabbing pain that makes you feel really unwell

Warning Signs of Ectopic Pregnancy- Immediately Visit a Doctor

• Heavy vaginal bleeding that leaks through pads

• Excessive dizziness, fainting, or collapse

• Intense shoulder tip pain that is unbearable without medical intervention

• Sudden severe shortness of breath, confusion, or extreme weakness

Ectopic Pregnancy Causes

Mostly, health conditions that impair or block the movement of eggs in the fallopian tube can lead to an ectopic pregnancy. This can happen due to:

• Scarring, adhesion or inflammation resulting from previous pelvic surgery.
• Damaged fallopian tubes, e.g. from sexually transmitted disease.
• Being born with a distorted shape of the uterus. 

What Are the Other Risk Factors for Ectopic Pregnancy?

Some factors that make you more prone to an ectopic pregnancy include these:

• History of infertility or IVF treatments, you may have a slightly more risk of ectopic pregnancy.
• Prolonged or excessive smoking that damages the tiny hair-like structures in your tubes, making an ectopic pregnancy more likely.
• If you have an IUD intact and still get pregnant, you’re more prone to developing an ectopic pregnancy.
• If you’re above 35 years of age, there are chances of ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis that affects reproductive organs, and makes it difficult for the embryo to travel and implant in the uterus

Note: Even if a female does not have any of the risk factors, she may still have an ectopic pregnancy

Risks and Complications of Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated or if symptoms are neglected. Among the most severe risks is the rupturing of the fallopian tube, resulting in heavy bleeding and unbearable abdominal pain. This potentially fatal condition causes shock, damage to the organ, and even death if not treated immediately.

Other complications include severe damage to the fallopian tubes and surrounding reproductive organs that can affect future fertility. Early detection and treatment is the only safe way to keep these risks away.

When to Visit a Doctor for Ectopic Pregnancy?

-Uncertain pain that cripples you and doesn’t not subside at all.

-Persistent heavy bleeding

-Suddenly fainting and having severe nausea that could be a sign of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.