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An ectopic pregnancy is when an ovule that is fertilized is implanted outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes.
The egg will not become a baby when this happens, which can be devastating news for the pregnant woman.
In some cases, an ectopic pregnancy does not generate very unusual symptoms and is only detected during the performance of a standard pregnancy test. However, most women have symptoms, and these usually manifest between the fifth week and the 14th week of pregnancy.
The most common symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include:
- You have abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain, usually on only one side, and may range from mild to severe
How should an ectopic pregnancy be treated?
If an ectopic pregnancy is detected at an early stage, a medication called Methotrexate is sometimes necessary to stop the embryo’s development. The tissue formed during pregnancy is easily absorbed by the woman’s body.
Methotrexate is not always necessary since, in 50% of cases, the egg dies before it can be developed further.
The ectopic pregnancies detected in a more advanced stage will require surgery to remove the embryo.
If you let develop an ectopic pregnancy, there is a high risk with the fertilized egg, as it can continue to grow and cause the fallopian tube to split (rupture), which can cause internal bleeding that can threaten the life of the woman with This type of pregnancy.
The signs that allow us to detect if there is a rupture of the fallopian tube:
- Sudden and severe, acute pain
- Feeling faint and dizzy
- Feeling sick
- Diarrhea
- Pain in one end of the shoulder
