In a normal pregnancy, the ovum, once fertilized, travels through the fallopian tubes until it reaches the uterus where it implants in the uterine wall and begins to grow. But in some cases, about 2% of pregnancies, the egg implants in a place other than the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy.
In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg usually stays in the fallopian tubes, but it can also nest in the ovary, cervix, or abdomen. In those areas there is not enough tissue or space for the baby to grow, so these types of pregnancies do not reach term. On many occasions, it is the body itself that expels the embryo even before the woman knows she was pregnant. But at other times, the pregnancy continues, putting the mother's life at risk by internal bleeding.
Causes of an ectopic pregnancy
Any woman can have an ectopic pregnancy, but the risk is higher in:
- Women over 35 years of age
- Women smokers
- Use an IUD. It is very difficult for a pregnancy to occur in this case, but if it does, it is more likely to be ectopic.
- Infection or inflammation in the fallopian tubes, uterus, or ovaries.
- Unusually shaped uterus or congenital fallopian tube defect
- Treatments for fertility.
- Having had an ectopic pregnancy before.
- Endometriosis.
- Scars in the pelvic area from previous surgeries.
What are the signs of an ectopic pregnancy?
Symptoms vary from woman to woman. At first, you will likely experience the same early signs of a normal pregnancy: nausea, dizziness, or breast pain. Other women do not feel anything and do not even realize that they are pregnant.
Other symptoms that may appear are:
- No period
- Spotting or bleeding
- Pelvic or abdominal pain on one side.
- Back pain
If the pregnancy advances, a rupture with bleeding or hemorrhage may occur, worsening the symptoms:
- Fainting
- Intense pressure on the rectum
- Low blood pressure
- Pain in the shoulder or neck area
- Sharp pain in the abdominal and pelvic area.
Faced with any of these symptoms, you should go to the doctor immediately since if a hemorrhage occurs, your life may be at risk.
Is a pregnancy possible after an ectopic pregnancy?
Most women who have had an ectopic pregnancy may have a normal pregnancy in the future. The probability of having a successful pregnancy after a pregnancy outside the uterus will depend on the age of the woman, whether she has already had children and the cause of the ectopic pregnancy.