If you're reading this article, then congratulations! You've either just discovered that you are pregnant, or you want to know all there is to know about ectopic pregnancy. Whatever the case may be, I'm here to provide some answers and a little bit of humor.
What is Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic Pregnancy (EP), also known as tubal pregnancy, occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus. The most common site for EP is in one of the fallopian tubes which connect the ovaries to the uterus. However, it can also occur in other parts of the female reproductive system such as an ovary or cervix.
How Common Is It?
As per statistics from WHO,12 out of every 1000 pregnancies have been diagnosed with ectopic pregnancies with variation among countries sharing similar demographics.
Symptoms
Women with EP experience different symptoms at different times and intensities hence it's important each woman takes note after missed periods .
Early Signs
Some women don't experience any symptoms during early stages while others might have:spotting , lower abdominal cramps particularly on one side (might feel like appendicitis ),breast soreness/fatigue,mood changes/feeling nausea , vomiting,lightheadedness
All these signs usually appear before week 6 gestation period
Advanced Stages
When tube rupture happens some severe changes continue most notably:
- Sharp pain: This could result from internal bleeding due to ruptured blood vessels
- Increased heart rate
- Shoulder discomfort:this occurs due leakage affecting areas around diaphragm leading up shoulder area coupled with substantial pain.
- look no further than unusual vaginal discharge
Please seek medical assistance urgently if experiencing anyone symptom
## Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy
Not everyone is at risk for EP but it's important to note certain factors that could lead to this condition including:
- Previous occurrence of EP
- History of PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
- Exposure a fertility drug like Clomid
- Being over 35 years old
- IUD use as contraception
Diagnosis And Treatment
A doctor may make an initial diagnosis by conducting some medical history questions and ultrasound tests . Ultrasounds help doctors detect the ectopic site growth, size and even unruptured ones can be seen in ultrasonography / laparoscopy though emergency surgery will still have to take place because half other times tubes are found normally/not ruptured.
If identified early , slower development sites would require Methotrexate medication which stops cells from growing not required anymore whereas Emergency operations are carried out when rupture has occurred or is about to occur either using open abdominal method or laparoscopic keyhole approach.
When Do Symptoms Begin?
This is a tricky question; unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer here as symptoms vary widely among women .As already mentioned earlier note any unusual pain/cramps after missed periods
Early Signs
Symptoms commonly start appearing around week four post-missed periods although very few people notice during such periods. However if you've experience these symptoms before and have had ectopic pregnancies in previous case then they might manifest little earlier than anticipated
#### Advanced Stages
When tube rupture happens some severe changes continue most notably:
- intense sharp pains could set on suddenly leading up unbearable state
- vaginal bleeding becomes heavier accompanied with clots
- signs of shock become apparent namely rapid breathing, chest discomforts .
## Recap
All said and done,Ectopic pregnancies pose significant risks therefore regular check-ups with your gynecologists play vital role identifying any red flags early enough.Incase experiencing weird signs please seek medical attention immediately.
Lastly,remember it's okay to freak out when these things happen but always remember laughter is the best medicine, even in the face of a terrifyingly complex condition like ectopic pregnancy. So take a deep breath and have a chocolate bar- you deserve it!