Ectopic Pregnancy
What is Ectopic Pregnancy
The word "ectopic" means displaced, and an ectopic pregnancy is one which grows somewhere other than its normal site, ie. the womb (uterus). Often referred to as a tubal pregnancy, this is a potentially dangerous condition in which the pregnancy fails to reach the womb and embeds itself into the wall of the Fallopian tube. Although it is a rare condition, occurring approximately once in every 350 pregnancies, it can be a very painful and distressing experience for a woman. Women who have damaged Fallopian tubes, eg. as a result of infections, are at higher risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.
What are the Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy
One of the first indications that something may be going wrong with the pregnancy is the sudden onset of sharp pain low down in one side of the abdomen. This is due to the stretching of the Fallopian tube as the pregnancy grows.This usually occurs at around the 6th week of pregnancy. Any women in the early stages of pregnancy who experiences severe pain which is confined to only one side of her abdomen and is situated low down should contact her GP or antenatal clinic immediately. Many, but not all, women with an ectopic pregnancy will also experience vaginal bleeding, although it is rarely heavy bleeding and is often described as a period.
These symptoms may occur in a woman who may not be aware she is pregnant as her period may only be a week or two overdue.
Occasionally, the first warning of an ectopic pregnancy is sudden, severe lower abdominal pain and collapse, due to the rupture of the Fallopian tube in which the pregnancy has implanted. This requires urgent treatment.
What are the Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy
On the seventh day after fertilisation, the ovum or egg will have developed special protrusions on its outer side called chorionic villi. These enable the pregnancy to embed itself within whatever maternal tissue is nearest or most convenient at the time. If the newly-fertilised egg has not reached the womb within seven days it will embed itself into the wall of the Fallopian tube and become an ectopic or tubal pregnancy.
Traditional Medical Treatments for Ectopic Pregnancy
If an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed at laparoscopy, there are a number of treatment options, depending on the precise situation.
If the ectopic pregnancy has ruptured the tube or is in imminent danger of doing so, the tube and pregnancy are surgically removed. In some cases where the ectopic pregnancy has not ruptured, the tube may be opened, the ectopic removed and the tube repaired, all via the laparoscope. This method of treatment may be used when the ectopic is diagnosed early, or when there is only one tube remaining and preservation of fertility is important