Early Signs of Ectopic Pregnancy : what an Ectopic pregnancy is and how it is prevented , Ideas to lower your risk of ectopic pregnancy and what to do if you suspect you might be pregnant ectopically.

 

Ectopic pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that happens outside of the uterus, occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy is fatal for the fetus. It cannot survive outside of the uterus.

One of these steps is when a fertilized egg travels to the uterus to attach itself. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg doesn’t attach to the uterus. Instead, it may attach to the fallopian tube, abdominal cavity, or cervix.As the pregnancy grows, it can cause the tube to burst (rupture). A rupture can cause major internal bleeding. This can be a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate surgery.

Normal pregnancies develop inside your uterus, after a fertilized egg travels through your fallopian tube and attaches to your uterine lining. Ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg attaches somewhere else in your body, usually in your fallopian tube — that’s why it’s sometimes called “tubal pregnancy.”

Ectopic pregnancies can also happen on your ovary, or somewhere else in your belly

WhaEctopic pregnancies can also happen on your ovary, or somewhere else in your bellyt Are the Signs & Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy?

These can include missed periods, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, or frequent urination (peeing).

• vaginal spotting
• dizziness or fainting (caused by blood loss)
• low blood pressure (also caused by blood loss)
• lower back pain

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Mild pain in the abdomen or pelvis

• Mild cramping on one side of the pelviS

• hormonal factors

• genetic abnormalities
• birth defects
• nflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes from a previous medical condition, infection, or surgery

CAUSES

• endometriosis, when cells from the lining of the uterus implant and grow elsewhere in the body
• scar tissue from previous abdominal or fallopian surgeries
• rarely, birth defects that changed the shape of the tube
•  Risk factors 
• Tubal surgery. Surgery to correct a closed or damaged fallopian tube can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
• Choice of birth control. The chance of getting pregnant while using an intrauterine device (IUD) is rare. However, if you do get pregnant with an IUD in place, it's more likely to be ectopic. Tubal ligation, a permanent method of birth control commonly known as "having your tubes tied," also raises your risk, if you become pregnant after this procedure.
• Smoking. Cigarette smoking just before you get pregnant can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. The more you smoke, the greater the risk.

How Is an Ectopic Pregnancy Treated?

How doctors treat an ectopic pregnancy depends on things like the size and location of the pregnancy.

Diagnosis

• Perform a pelvic exam

• Perform an ultrasound exam to see where the pregnancy is developing

• Test your blood for a pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

•  TREATMENT 

• The most common drug used to treat ectopic pregnancy is methotrexate(Rheumatrex). . This drug stops cells from growing, which ends the pregnancy. The pregnancy then is absorbed by the body over 4–6 weeks. This does not require the removal of the fallopian tube.

Methotrexate often is given by injection in one dose. Before you take methotrexate, blood tests will be done to measure the level of hCG and the functions of certain organs. If hCG levels have not decreased enough after the first dose, another dose of methotrexate may be recommended. You will have careful follow-up over time until hCG is no longer found in your blood.

Methotrexate is a drug that stops the growth of rapidly dividing cells, such as the cells of the ectopic mass .It stops cells from dividing by interfering with the folic acid in your body. If you take this medication, your doctor will give it to you as an injection. You should also get regular blood tests to ensure that the drug is effective. 

side effects 

• Feeling tired
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Nausea and/or vomiting for 24 hours
• Upset stomach, decreased appetite
• Diarrhea
• Avoid the following for 24 hours: – Vitamins with folic acid (such as prenatal vitamins) – Alcohol – Penicillin (a common antibiotic medicine) – Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) – Any other substances, medicines, or activities that your doctor or midwife tells you to avoid
• Sores in your mouth

Surgery

Many surgeons suggest removing the embryo and repairing any internal damage. This procedure is called a laparotomy. Your doctor will insert a small camera through a small incision to make sure they can see their work. The surgeon then removes the embryo and repairs any damage to the fallopian tube.

Early warning of ectopic pregnancy

Often, the first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.

TAKEAWAY 

 It is essential that providers maintain a high index of suspicion for an ectopic in their pregnant patients as they may present with pain, vaginal bleeding, or more vague complaints such as nausea and vomiting. Fertilization and embryo implantation involve an interplay of chemical, hormonal, and anatomical interactions and conditions to allow for a viable intrauterine pregnancy.

Although the risk of having another ectopic pregnancy is increased, many women will successfully conceive and have children in the future, either naturally or with the aid of an assisted reproductive technology such as IVF.