Khaberni - When the result of the home pregnancy test appears, indicating the awaited pregnancy, the woman at that moment feels so overjoyed that the world cannot contain her happiness; she has been waiting long to achieve her dream of motherhood. However, she does not know that there are rare cases where one might receive a positive pregnancy test result but the pregnancy can't proceed, because she may have been exposed to a condition known as ectopic pregnancy or tubal or migrant pregnancy.
It is essential, albeit based on limited expectations, that a woman knows the symptoms of such a pregnancy so that she can seek her doctor and avoid health complications. Therefore, «My Lady and Your Child» magazine met specially with her, the consultant for obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Ramzia Hasnine, who pointed out 4 important symptoms indicating an ectopic pregnancy and its serious complications. These include feeling tired and pain in the right side of the abdomen, among others. Hereinafter:
Definition of Ectopic Pregnancy
Know that the term: ectopic pregnancy, or tubal or migrant pregnancy, means that the pregnancy occurs outside the uterus, where the natural place for the fetus is within the uterus. This happens in a few cases among pregnant women around the world, possibly constituting only 2%.
Note that in a normal pregnancy, the egg meets the male sperm and settles in the wall of the uterus, continuing to grow so that the fetus forms over nine months. This is the normal pregnancy duration for a woman, but in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, for reasons mostly unknown, the fertilized egg may adhere to any part or organ outside the uterine cavity, for example, one of the ovaries, and the pregnancy grows there, threatening the mother’s life.
Are There Specific Reasons for an Ectopic Pregnancy?
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1 - Know that the reasons for an ectopic pregnancy have not been fully outlined, but according to statistics and studies conducted by doctors, it has been found that a woman's undergoing previous surgeries, thus having certain inflammations, could prevent the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus. Also, the existence of a fallopian tube disorder elevates the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy.
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2- Note that a woman's exposure to recurrent inflammations, where she may contract infections from her husband or from using public bathrooms, along with suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease, can increase her risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.
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3- Expect that a woman who undergoes a fertilization procedure to treat delayed pregnancy through techniques like in-vitro fertilization, as well as a woman undergoing fertility treatments due to delay in her pregnancy, and also a woman who has opted for a fallopian tube ligation procedure for birth control and its failure; these are three reasons that increase the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy.
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4- Know that genetics play a significant role in the occurrence of an ectopic pregnancy, without knowing the reasons for it; a woman should research her family history when she confirms her pregnancy. If there is a case of ectopic pregnancy, she must follow up with her doctor immediately after obtaining the home test result.
4 Confirmed Symptoms Indicating the Presence of an Ectopic Pregnancy
1- Know that light bleeding, which is usually different from menstrual bleeding, is a strong warning sign that the pregnancy is not in the uterus. The bleeding typically starts sporadically and then becomes heavier. Although an ectopic pregnancy occurs with a delay similar to normal pregnancy, the bleeding will recur and increase in intensity.
2- Expect to experience a strange symptom that you may not notice, which is pain at the top of the shoulder after confirming the pregnancy, and it's a strong sign of a migrant pregnancy.
3- Note that you will experience pain in a part of the abdomen, not the entire abdomen, usually on the right side, due to the accumulation of blood and the formation of the fetus. This condition differs, and the pain typically occurs in the area where the pregnancy forms outside the uterine limits.
4- Note that the excessive feeling of fatigue, dizziness, and exhaustion are among the most important symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.
Methods of Detecting an Ectopic Pregnancy
Know that the question women seek but cannot definitively answer unless the aforementioned symptoms appear is: Is my pregnancy inside the uterus or outside it? Generally, the woman undergoes ultrasound imaging when doubting that the pregnancy is abnormal. It is preferable that the imaging be conducted after performing laboratory pregnancy tests, and ectopic pregnancy can be detected through hormonal tests; the level of the progesterone hormone is measured. It appears that the level of this hormone is noticeably low in case of an ectopic pregnancy compared to its normal level in a regular pregnancy.
Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy
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* Know that the best solution to save the life of the pregnant mother when confirmed that the pregnancy has formed outside the uterus, is to undergo a laparoscopic surgery, removing the pregnancy and its related tissues from the particular fallopian tube, or in some cases, removing the tube in which the pregnancy is attached. During the laparoscope examination, a small incision is made in the woman's abdomen, and a thin tube is inserted by the doctor to remove the pregnancy, and it may lso involve removal of the tube and part of the fallopian tube.
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* Note that in special cases, the woman may be injected with a specific substance that works to eliminate the pregnancy, particularly if there is no bleeding; that is when the ectopic pregnancy is discovered early. After receiving the medications in the form of injections, which dissolve the pregnancy cells and prevent their continued growth, the woman undergoes specific tests under medical supervision to ensure they have taken effect.
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* Remember that doctors recommend delaying pregnancy again for a period not less than 3-6 months before planning for a new pregnancy, so that the woman at least recovers from the anemia that naturally occurs due to bleeding, and also to allow the doctor to investigate the causes of this problem and to prevent it in subsequent pregnancies.
