What is an ectopic pregnancy?
Un ectopic pregnancy it is produced when the embryo is not inside the uterusThe prevalence of this type of pregnancies is 1 each 1000In most cases, about 95%, the embryo is located in the fallopian tube, although it may also be found in the ovary, the cervix, or even within the myometrium and fibrous tissue of a cesarean scar.
Why does an ectopic pregnancy occur?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs because, as the previously fertilized egg travels to the uterus through the fallopian tubes, it attaches to another part of the woman's body, primarily the fallopian tube itself.
In these cases, we are faced with a pregnancy that, in principle, is not viable to reach term, since, on the one hand, the embryo will not receive everything necessary to develop and, on the other, it represents an enormous risk for the mother.
Which are the risk factors?
In general, they can be described as risk factors for an ectopic pregnancy:
- Having previously suffered another ectopic pregnancy, in the event that you become pregnant before knowing whether the other tube is partially blocked.
- Cases of sterility greater than 2 years.
- Previous illnesses that can cause partial or complete blockage of a fallopian tube, such as endometriosis. Likewise, having a fallopian tube removed.
- Women smokers
- Elderly mothers, over 35 years old.
- Pregnancies resulting from certain fertility treatments.
- Pregnancies that have developed while the mother is carrying an IUD.
- Various diseases: infections in the abdominal cavity (appendicitis), STIs, etc.
- When the pregnant woman has previously undergone surgery in the area, whether through curettage, tubal ligation, etc.
What symptoms does an ectopic pregnancy cause?
As explained by the Dr. Vidal in a article published in the magazine ¡Hola!In the early stages, ectopic pregnancy is asymptomatic. However, weeks after receiving a positive result, the first symptom may be severe pain in the lower pelvis, sometimes accompanied by bleeding, lightheadedness, dizziness, rectal pressure, and shoulder pain. This may be due to a ruptured tube, and therefore, if you experience these symptoms, you should immediately go to the emergency room.
In these cases, if there is a rupture of the tube, what is done is a surgical procedure using laparoscopyFurthermore, depending on the severity, one of the possible consequences can be infertility, due to the loss of one tube and damage to the other. If detected early, medical treatment with methotrexate can be initiated, in addition to periodic checkups.
Can it be prevented?
As reported by the Dr. Vidal, to prevent a possible ectopic pregnancy, you can perform a prenatal ultrasound and/or contrast X-ray, to assess the condition of the fallopian tubes and detect possible blockages. If any exist, in vitro fertilization treatment would be necessary.
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