What are the symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?

Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Nidhi Sehrawet

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey for every woman, and while a woman’s pregnancy is different for everyone, most pregnancies go smoothly without affecting their health. However, there are still cases where women face several complications during their pregnancy, and one such issue is an “ectopic pregnancy.”

This condition causes an instant risk to the mother’s health and requires immediate medical treatment. However, despite being the most complicated issue for all women trying to get pregnant, it is still an alien term to almost everyone.

So, let’s connect and understand the common ectopic pregnancy symptoms and the importance of seeking medical assistance on time. But before we delve deeper, let’s understand the term “Ectopic pregnancy” in the first place. So, let’s get started!

What is Ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which a fertilized egg gets implanted and grows outside the uterus, usually within the fallopian tubes. While in a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube and implants itself in the uterine lining, where it can develop into a healthy fetus.

However, in an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants in a location other than the uterus, leading to numerous complications in women’s reproductive organs. 

Usually, the most common site for ectopic pregnancies is the fallopian tube, but it can also result in other reproductive areas such as the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity. 

You should know that ectopic pregnancies cannot proceed normally and can pose severe risks to the mother’s health if not detected early. 

So, when ectopic pregnancy symptoms start, watch out carefully, talk to your doctor about overcoming this health condition, and know what causes ectopic pregnancy.

What causes an ectopic pregnancy? 

After fertilization, the egg takes  4-5 days to travel through the fallopian tube before attaching itself to the uterus wall. However, any damage to your fallopian tube can make it narrow and can cause the egg to attach to the tube leading to ectopic pregnancy. It can also occur due to other reasons such as: 

• A previous ectopic pregnancy
• Swelling of inflammation in the reproductive organs
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Eggs get implanted in previous C-section scars.
• Cigarette smoking before or during pregnancy
• Use of contraceptive devices like intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Fertility drugs or other fertility treatments

The above-listed reasons can be the causes of ectopic pregnancy, and to start its treatment, you need to look over the ectopic pregnancy symptoms and when they start, so read on to know more.

Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms

If ectopic pregnancy occurs, the result is shown within the first few weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, you might not be aware of its presence.

But the early symptoms can help you determine if you are diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy or not. Here are some of the common signs & symptoms you may notice –

• Dizziness or weakness
• Upset stomach and vomiting
• Sharp abdominal cramps
• Pain in your shoulder, neck, or rectum
• Pain on one side of the body
• Light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain

Ectopic pregnancy may have serious complications, including but not limited to rupture of the fallopian tubes. However, if you experience any serious symptoms such as heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pain, or lightheadedness, consult a doctor immediately.

If your doctor suspects ectopic pregnancy symptoms or when ectopic pregnancy symptoms start, the next step would be to start with a pregnancy test and a pelvic exam. 

Moreover, to analyze your health condition your doctor might also perform an ultrasound to detect your uterus and fallopian tubes.

Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment

You should know that a fertilized egg cannot survive outside the uterus, and your doctor will have to remove it to avoid terrible complications for your health. The removal will usually be put into action with the help of medication or surgery.

Medication 

If your pregnancy has not crossed the three-month mark and your fallopian tube isn’t in danger of rupture, your doctor will most certainly give you a shot of medication to prevent the cells from growing, as your body can absorb the cells over time.

Surgery

If you have crossed three months and your fallopian tubes are damaged, your doctor will need to remove them with the help of surgery. The simplest way is through laparoscopic surgery. 

Laparoscopic surgery uses minor instruments and a small camera to insert through a small incision. Along with removing the ectopic pregnancy, your doctor will also repair or remove the damaged fallopian tubes.

Here’s everything you need to know about Laparoscopy procedure – What is a Laparoscopy Procedure? Precautions, Risks, & Advantages – Fertility Blogs & News – Crysta IVF

If there is an emergency and you are experiencing severe symptoms or your laparoscopic surgery was found to be unsuccessful, a fertility expert will perform a laparotomy (a procedure that uses a larger incision).

The meaning of ectopic pregnancy only indicates when a fertilized egg gets attached outside the uterus and fails to lead to a healthy pregnancy. So, the question is: Is pregnancy possible after post-ectopic pregnancy? To know the answer, scroll down and read more.

Is Pregnancy Possible After a Post-Ectopic Pregnancy?

There is no denying that having an ectopic pregnancy can be frightening, but you still have some hopes left, as the good news is that you have a very high possibility of getting pregnant again and having a healthy pregnancy with no doubts left.

Meanwhile, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind when considering planning for a baby after an ectopic pregnancy. First and foremost, most doctors advise women to wait around three months to conceive. 

Second, if you have had one ectopic pregnancy earlier, you are more likely to have another one. In these circumstances, it is vital to consult a fertility expert at the best IVF clinic in Delhi – Crysta IVF, to monitor your reproductive health and seek medical attention such as assisted reproductive technology like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

In cases where your fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, IVF treatment is the only option you have to help you conceive. 

Start your fertility treatment with Crysta IVF! 

When looking forward to starting your family and trying again to conceive, you need to connect with top-notch fertility specialists with more than two decades of experience. 

At the renowned fertility chain in India, Crysta IVF, you will get a personalized approach to overcoming your fertility problems, and also receive love and dedication in every step you take to overcome your fertility challenges and conceive.

We are entitled to make sure that we stand tall together with you from the first step to the last one. From the moment you take a step and consult a fertility expert to taking the pregnancy test.

Crysta IVF makes sure you can also start your family just like any other couple, and enjoy your parenthood journey with a positive approach.

Author

Shivangi Prajapati

Shivangi Prajapati, a writer by profession and passion, has expertise in the healthcare industry. With her extensive research into medical advances, she loves breaking down complex health information, making it easier for people to understand the recent trends in clinical and medical realities. Her dedication to providing trustworthy, relevant, and usable information helps people take good care of their health.