Ectopic is derived from Greek word "ektopos," meaning "out of
place". Ectopic pregnancy was first discovered in the 11th century and
by the end of 18th century, it took a lethal form. Today, with
advancements in the field of medicine, death due to ectopic pregnancy is
rare.
What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic
pregnancy is not a normal pregnancy, the sperms reach the egg in the
fallopian tube, where fertilization occurs, and then, this fertilized
egg travels on to reach the uterus and implants itself there to complete
the gestation period. The fertilized egg fails to reach the uterus for
the gestation period and instead implant itself anywhere outside uterus,
like cervix, fallopian tube, abdominal cavity. In general, the
fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tube.
The embryo
implants itself outside the uterus, it starts drawing blood for its
growth, rupturing the organs and creating danger to life. As only the
uterus is designed to hold the fetus, so ectopic pregnancy does not last
for more than 3 months. It always results in the death of the embryo.
Symptoms
- There are symptoms that help in deducing the ectopic pregnancy. Although it is also not necessary that all these pregnancy symptoms will be seen.
- Lower abdominal pain, which increases over a period of time, accompanied by lower back pain
- Shoulder pain, which occurs, as the fetus draws blood for its growth, hampers the functions of diaphragm.
- Vaginal bleeding, which is different from normal bleeding, can be heavier or lighter and the blood is dark colored.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness and pale skin, followed by fainting (caused because of bleeding)
- Low blood pressure when the bleeding is heavy.
Causes
- Several major factors cause ectopic pregnancies. Some of them are listed below:
- Previously, if the woman had undergone any fallopian tube surgery
- Occurrence of several abortions
- Intake of medicine for stimulating the process of ovulation
- Smoking
- Increase of age; increase in age results in the loss of tubular mobility, due to lack of myoelectrical activity
- Infections in fallopian tube and uterus.
Remedy
- If the ectopic pregnancy is at initial stage then it can be destroyed by a drug methotrexate, which has very minimum side effects.
- At advanced level, it can only be treated with the help of surgery, in which the pregnancy will be removed.
After-effects Of Ectopic Pregnancy
- Due to doses of methotrexate, there will be a little nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
- When the surgery is actually performed at advanced level, there might be a decrease in the woman's fertility
You must know that your pregnancy is normal or not. You
will know the early signs if you monitor your pregnancy week by week. If
you find anything unusual, see a doctor at once.
By
Apurva Shree
No comments :
Post a Comment