The loss of a pregnancy can be devastating. Miscarriages or chemical pregnancies are very common. Mainly caused by the fetal embryo not being able to thrive. Although much less common, an ectopic pregnancy is no different. Usually diagnosed 6 weeks or more in the 1st trimester of the pregnancy.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg attaches itself somewhere other than inside the uterus. The most common area for this to occur is in the fallopian tube. It can occur in other areas of the body as well.
Where Ectopic Pregnancies Occur in the Body
- 95% are in the Fallopian tube – Ampullary (middle portion of the Fallopian tube), Isthmic (upper portion of the Fallopian tube close to the uterus), or Fimbrial (end of the Fallopian tube)
- 3% are Interstitial (inside portion of the Fallopian tube that crosses into the uterus)
- < 1% are within a Cesarean section scar of the uterus
- < 1% are Cervical (on the Cervix area)
- < 1% are Cornual (occurs within an abnormally shaped uterus)
- < 1% are Ovarian (inside of or on the ovary)
- < 1% are Intramural / Peritoneal (in the muscle tissue of the womb)
- < 1% are Abdominal (in the tissue of the abdomen)
- < 1% are Heterotopic pregnancies (ectopic pregnancy and another pregnancy simultaneously exist)
Recognizing Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy
During the early stages, distinguishing between the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and those of a normal, healthy pregnancy can be challenging. According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms commonly occur between 6-8 weeks from your missed period, and these may include:
- Severe abdominal or pelvic cramps accompanied by vaginal bleeding, differing from typical pregnancy cramps
- Pain-mimicking appendicitis on the lower right side
- Extreme lightheadedness, weakness or fainting
- Shoulder pain – a sign that blood may be leaking from the source of the ectopic pregnancy
- Pain in the neck or rectum
- Nausea and/or vomiting, particularly when severe
- Breast pain/tenderness
Promptly seek emergency medical care if you experience any of these symptoms. Early detection and treatment are vital for managing ectopic pregnancies and preventing potential complications.
How is Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?
Early diagnosis and treatment of an ectopic pregnancy can be life saving for the mother. An ectopic pregnancy is usually diagnosed via vaginal ultrasound, which can be done in a clinic setting with an OB/GYN or a hospital setting if emergent. An ectopic can also be caught early with a serum hCG blood test. Oftentimes doctors monitor hcg results over a few days, so more than one blood draw may be necessary.
Will Ectopic Pregnancy Show on Pregnancy Test?
An ectopic pregnancy will typically show on a pregnancy test. This is because pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine, which is produced by the placenta shortly after the embryo attaches to the uterine lining. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube, the placenta still produces hCG. Therefore, the pregnancy test will generally still show a positive result.
However, it is important to note that while a positive pregnancy test can indicate a pregnancy, it cannot differentiate between a normal (intrauterine) pregnancy and an ectopic pregnancy. It is important to take note of the possible symptoms and if ever experienced, contact a healthcare provider immediately to be evaluated.
What Causes Ectopic Pregnancies to Occur?
Ectopic pregnancies most often occur due to previous damage to the fallopian tube.
Reasons for an ectopic pregnancy can include having Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), IUDs over 35 years old, having an STD, certain surgeries – like tubal ligation, infertility, D&C – damages to the endometrial lining, endometriosis, smoking, IVF treatment, taking fertility medication, or having a previous ectopic pregnancy.
Please know whatever the reason, an ectopic pregnancy is not likely to survive. Knowing the signs & symptoms can be a matter of life & death of the mother.
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What would be treatments for an ectopic pregnancy?
The only treatment for an ectopic pregnancy is to terminate the pregnancy when diagnosed.
Ectopic pregnancies are dangerous to the mother and fetus. There is no way to move the embryo to the proper place and reattach to the uterus safely. The fetus very rarely survives longer than 6-16 weeks because tissues outside the uterus do not provide the necessary blood supply and structural support to promote placental growth, and circulation to the developing fetus.
Without medical intervention, areas of the Fallopian tube for instance, can rupture damaging that part of the body, causing medical complications to the mothers such as damage to the fallopian tube/hair like silica, Hypovolemic shock (Blood loss of 20% of your body that can cause organ failure), and in rare cases death.
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Ectopic Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/ectopic-pregnancy
- “Ectopic Pregnancy – Symptoms and Causes – Mayo Clinic.” Mayo Clinic, 12 Mar. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088.
- American Pregnancy Association. “Ectopic Pregnancy.” American Pregnancy Association, 9 Dec. 2021, americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/ectopic-pregnancy.
- StÖPpler, Melissa Conrad, MD. “Ectopic Pregnancy: Definition, Symptoms, Treatment, Ultrasound, Risk Factors.” MedicineNet, 10 Jan. 2024, www.medicinenet.com/ectopic_pregnancy/article.htm.
- Trust, Ectopic Pregnancy. “What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?” The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, ectopic.org.uk/patients/what-is-an-ectopic-pregnancy.
