During a normal pregnancy, a fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tubes into the uterus, where it attaches and begins to grow. But what exactly is an ectopic pregnancy?
Unfortunately, in some circumstances, the fertilized egg attaches (or implants) in a different part of the female reproductive organs, such as the fallopian tubes, cervix, ovaries, or even the belly. This is called an ectopic pregnancy. Since the attachment most often occurs in the fallopian tubes, many people refer to an ectopic pregnancy as a “tubal pregnancy.” The terms can be used interchangeably.
Sadly, an ectopic pregnancy cannot sustain life because the fertilized egg needs the uterine environment to survive and grow. For many women who do not detect an ectopic pregnancy in time, severe damage can occur to the fallopian tubes or other reproductive organs.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of an Ectopic Pregnancy
Women who experience an ectopic pregnancy will still test positive on a home pregnancy test. However, the levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin, the hormone found in pregnant women) will be lower than in a typical pregnancy. This may result in a faintly positive home pregnancy test. Additionally, women with an ectopic pregnancy will eventually experience pain, bleeding, and other symptoms that are not typical for a routine pregnancy.
Doctors agree that the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can be varied and confusing, especially since your body is still producing hCG, which causes all the normal symptoms of early pregnancy. However, any pain that persists in the belly or pelvic region, is sharper on one side, or intensifies upon movement should prompt a visit to your physician. Additionally, any heavy or light vaginal bleeding (which can also occur during a healthy pregnancy) that doesn’t cease with bed rest or over time should be a cause for concern.
Doctors typically confirm pregnancy with a urine test. Many will also run a blood pregnancy test to measure the exact hCG levels. Low hCG levels can indicate an ectopic pregnancy or that the pregnancy will not be viable. A routine pelvic exam is also conducted to check the size and shape of your uterus, as well as to assess any areas of tenderness causing pain. During this exam, doctors may be able to feel growths outside the uterus. Additionally, ultrasound technology is frequently used as the most accurate and efficient way to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.
Treatment Options for Ectopic Pregnancy
Once an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, doctors generally have two treatment options. If the pregnancy is detected early enough, shots containing hormones may be administered to terminate the pregnancy and clear the reproductive organs of any growths. If medication is used, doctors typically follow up within seven days to ensure the procedure was effective.
For women who are further along in their pregnancy and have an ectopic pregnancy, surgery is often the best option. Most doctors today perform the procedure laparoscopically, which is minimally invasive. This method also helps minimize damage to reproductive organs, allowing the possibility of healthy pregnancies in the future. If the ectopic pregnancy is discovered too late, and there is a risk of rupture or severe bleeding, doctors may need to make an incision and surgically remove the growth.
Any woman who experiences an ectopic pregnancy is bound to feel some sense of loss and grief. It is a deeply emotional experience, similar to a miscarriage. Since the body has been producing reproductive hormones, many women may also experience post partum depression symptoms for several days, weeks, or even months until their cycles regulate.
Outlook After an Ectopic Pregnancy
The good news is that ectopic pregnancies are rare, occurring in only about 2% of pregnancies. Most of these women have some underlying issue with their fallopian tubes that prevents the fertilized egg from completing its journey to the uterus. This issue can often be corrected with medical intervention. Other factors, such as medications, smoking, pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometriosis, can also increase the chances of a tubal pregnancy. Fertility treatments, including in-vitro fertilization, may also raise the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy due to various factors.
After an ectopic pregnancy, with proactive care from a physician, most women go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future. It is important for your doctor to be aware of your ectopic pregnancy so they can monitor your health closely and potentially prescribe progesterone medications that help sustain pregnancies in the uterus.
