What Happens if You Have an Ectopic Pregnancy?

One of the rarest kinds of pregnancy is an ectopic pregnancy which results when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. We will know about what actually happens if you have an ectopic pregnancy, in the following arrays of the article. You must read below to be more aware about this kind of pregnancy.

In a normal pregnancy, a fertilized egg travels via a fallopian tube to reach uterus where it starts to grow. However, in case of an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg attaches or implants somewhere other than the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube itself. This is the reason why sometimes such a type of pregnancy is also known as tubal pregnancy. In rare cases, the egg implants in the cervix, the ovary or the belly.

About 2% of pregnancies are ectopic pregnancies. It must be mentioned that there is no way to transplant an ectopic pregnancy in to the uterus and thus the only option left is to end the pregnancy. It can be very dangerous and cause severe harm if not diagnosed and appropriately treated at an early stage.

Now, what actually happens in ectopic pregnancy? Here below we would read on this.

The signs and symptoms in ectopic pregnancy may differ from woman to woman. However we will talk about in general what happens in an ectopic pregnancy by taking a look on the general symptoms.

1. There May be Abdominal or Pelvic Pain or Tenderness:

   If you have ectopic pregnancy then you may feel abdominal or pelvic pain or tenderness only on one side. It may be mild and intermittent, but can be sudden, persistent and severe. The pain may be dull or sharp and you may also have nausea and vomiting. Your pain gets worse in case you are active or in case you move your bowels or while you cough. Your abdomen may be distended and swollen if your fallopian tube has ruptured.

2. There May be Bleeding or Vaginal Spotting in Ectopic Pregnancy:

   There may be vaginal spotting or bleeding in case of ectopic pregnancy. It may look like the beginning of a light period. The blood may either be red or brown in color that may look like dried blood and it may also be continuous or intermittent, light or heavy

3. Shoulder Pain May be Experienced in Ectopic Pregnancy:

   Some women with ectopic pregnancy will also experience shoulder pain, especially when you lie down. It is a red flag for a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and it is very much critical to get medical attention immediately. Internal bleeding which irritates nerves that go to your shoulder area may cause the pain in shoulders.

4. Signs of Shock May Also be Experienced in Ectopic Pregnancy:

   In case your fallopian tube ruptures, the loss of blood can cause you to go in to shock. There may be signs like a weak and racing pulse, fainting, dizziness and pale skin.

   You must call 911 on an immediate basis in such case.

   Keep a note that anything such happens in an ectopic pregnancy you require to seek early care and treatments as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Now that we know about what happens if you have an ectopic pregnancy, it must also be mentioned that as soon as your doctor diagnoses an ectopic pregnancy, you must follow the prescribed treatments and keep safe from the hazardous effects of ectopic pregnancy. One of the most dangerous symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, if not treated, is that it could damage or burst the fallopian tube and cause heavy bleeding that may be deadly.

So, in order to help you keep safe, do go for the essential treatments which may include drug treatment, laparoscopic surgery, Laparotomy etc. Kindly consult with your doctor and keep yourself safe in case you have ectopic pregnancy.

Also Read:

• Ectopic Pregnancy or Eccyesis: Types, Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Investigations, Treatment