What is Ectopic Pregnancy and What are its Symptoms?

What are the Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg does not implant in the uterus and instead implants in a different location. Typically, in individuals experiencing ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg is found in the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancy occurs in about 2% of expectant mothers and can lead to death if left untreated and undiagnosed. The general answer to 'what is ectopic pregnancy?' is that the fertilized egg, due to some reason during its journey, cannot reach the uterus and, instead of implanting in the uterus, typically implants in the fallopian tubes and begins to grow there. Due to being most commonly found in the fallopian tubes, it is also called tubal pregnancy. Although ectopic pregnancy sometimes presents with different symptoms, it can also present with symptoms similar to a normal pregnancy. In such cases, it can be difficult to detect.

How is Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?

When asked about the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, they are generally not very different from a normal pregnancy. Like a normal pregnancy, it shows early pregnancy symptoms. It presents with symptoms such as missed period, breast tenderness, nausea, and vomiting. In a large ectopic pregnancy, though not very common, it can cause symptoms like fainting, vaginal bleeding, and shoulder pain. These symptoms can actually allow a diagnosis even before seeing a doctor. Individuals experiencing these symptoms may be at risk, and if the baby grows while in the tube, it can indicate a rupture of the tube and the onset of internal bleeding. If this condition is not intervened, it can lead to the mother's death. Of course, this does not mean that individuals not experiencing these symptoms are not having an ectopic pregnancy. Because these symptoms are the late stages of ectopic pregnancy, indicating that the mother is at risk. Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy; To diagnose ectopic pregnancy, the baby is not seen in the uterus during an ultrasound, and consequently, it is detected during the examination to determine its location using what is known as a transvaginal ultrasound. The blood test for pregnancy being the same as a normal pregnancy and normal pregnancy tests being positive does not change the outcome. This is because the expectant mother is normally pregnant, and the ectopic pregnancy is defined by the embryo implanting in the wrong place and growing there. Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy; An important cause among the causes of ectopic pregnancy is blockage in the fallopian tube. This blockage can be congenital, caused by infection, or from previous operations. Adhesions formed there can prevent the baby from reaching the uterus. The causes of blockage we listed are different; infection does not cause adhesion. Previous operations cause blockage. While IUDs used for contraception prevent pregnancy, they can sometimes also cause ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, if a woman using an IUD thinks she is pregnant, she should definitely get checked for an ectopic pregnancy. Some birth control pills can also invite ectopic pregnancy. For this reason, you should use birth control pills under doctor's supervision. In addition to these, it is natural for individuals who have previously had an ectopic pregnancy to have a 10% higher chance of experiencing an ectopic pregnancy compared to normal individuals. The first of the methods called early diagnosis, which is part of the treatment of ectopic pregnancy, is the option of medical termination. This method can be used if there is no fetal heartbeat. During this treatment method, blood values are constantly monitored to ensure termination. However, if internal bleeding or rupture is present, it is treated with laparoscopic or open surgery. In this intervention, while the mother's life is prioritized, it is also important that the tubes are not harmed by this operation. If the tube ruptures, bleeding cannot be stopped, or the tube is damaged, the tube may be removed. Ectopic pregnancy can occur not only in the fallopian tubes but also sometimes in the abdominal cavity, ovaries, or cervix.