Pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. However, an ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), more than 90% of ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube. When this happens, the pregnancy continues to grow but can cause the tube to burst, leading to excessive bleeding. If left untreated, ectopic pregnancies can become life-threatening, which is why diagnosing them on time and receiving treatment is crucial.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Ranjana Beacon, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, shares insights on how the condition can be detected early and ways to manage it.
What Causes Ectopic Pregnancy?
“The primary cause of this type of pregnancy is a tubal blockage, which prevents the fertilised egg from travelling back to the uterine cavity, leading to its entrapment,” says Dr Beacon.
She adds, “Partial blockages of the fallopian tube can result from conditions, such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), pelvic surgery, or prior ectopic pregnancies.”
Additionally, smoking, advanced maternal age, delayed pregnancies, fertility treatments, and medical interventions that alter the shape of the fallopian tube can also contribute to the risk.
Is Ectopic Pregnancy Life-Threatening?
According to StatPearls Publishing, ectopic pregnancy occurs in an estimated 1–2% of the general population.
There are different types of ectopic pregnancies that affect women differently. While 95% of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube, 3% are interstitial, which occurs inside the part of the fallopian tube that crosses into the uterus. Research suggests these have mortality rates up to seven times higher than other ectopic implantation sites.
Dr Beacon says, “Ectopic pregnancy poses serious risks and necessitates prompt medical intervention.”
Without timely treatment, she warns against life-threatening complications that may arise. But to receive proper treatment, diagnosis plays a key role. Let’s take a look at the symptoms that may help detect the condition.
Symptoms To Watch Out For
Ectopic pregnancies may not cause any symptoms. However, some of the early signs may resemble symptoms of pregnancy, including nausea, the absence of menstrual periods, and breast tenderness.
In cases of ovarian ectopic pregnancy, a woman may experience abdominal pain, stomach pain, and pelvic discomfort, often accompanied by persistent pain on one side, says Dr Beacon.
“Vaginal bleeding resembling menstrual blood may also occur intermittently.
“Shoulder pain may manifest in cases of significant internal bleeding within the abdomen due to fallopian tube rupture, leading to severe pain,” she adds.
Severe ectopic pregnancies need immediate medical attention. Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, fainting, low blood pressure, and sometimes shock.
Also Read: Ectopic Pregnancy: Expert Shares Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment
Diagnosis And Treatment
Dr Beacon recommends getting a pregnancy test in the event of unusual vaginal bleeding or severe abdominal pain, shoulder pain, and dizziness during your menstrual cycle. In the event of a positive result, seeking consultation with a medical expert is crucial, who will conduct additional tests including ultrasound, pelvic examination, and blood tests, she says, adding that these assessments will provide insights into whether the pregnancy is ectopic and its severity level.
If you’re diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy, two types of treatments can be implemented: conservative and surgical.
The decision on whether to treat an ectopic pregnancy with medications or surgery depends on the size and duration of the pregnancy, says Dr Beacon.
She notes that the healthcare professional will determine the appropriate treatment based on your condition following a thorough examination.
“While ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening, timely treatment ensures safety,” she concludes.