Ectopic Pregnancy
When a fertilized egg is implanted outside the main uterine cavity, as opposed to the uterine lining, an ectopic pregnancy occurs. While most ectopic pregnancies take place in the fallopian tubes they can also develop in the ovaries, cervix, and abdominal cavity. As with a normal pregnancy women can experience missed periods, tenderness/swelling of the breasts, and morning sickness during ectopic pregnancy, but symptoms become more severe as it continues. First abdominal/pelvic pain – caused by the expanding, invasive tissue of the egg – emerges, accompanied with light vaginal bleeding. If the egg has implanted in the fallopian tubes blood will also begin to leak from there and, if the tube ruptures, it will lead to significant abdominal bleeding. This can produce a state of shock.
A tubal pregnancy, as this variety is called, can be caused by either a structural defect of the fallopian tubes or issues arising from the development of the fertilized egg. Risk factors which increase the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy include constitution of the uterus (misshapen or altered), salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes), pelvic inflammatory disease, problems with fertility, contraceptive use (particularly with IUD or tubal litigation), and prenatal smoking.
If you experience any of the above symptoms schedule a physical exam with your physician. They will thoroughly check the pelvic and abdominal regions for any usual growth or activity in the fallopian tubes. The exam results will be corroborated with blood tests as well as an ultrasound in order to accurately diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. In the case of heavy and potentially fatal bleeding, surgery may be needed.
If You Have Been Diagnosed with an Ectopic Pregnancy
If detected early enough, the pregnancy can be treated with a regimen of methotrexate, which can help to halt the growth of the cell. Your physician will then monitor your blood for the pregnancy hormone HCG, and if it is still present in high levels more treatment will be necessary. Laparoscopic surgery can allow a surgeon, by use of a tubular camera, to locate the tissue and remove it. In the case of a ruptured fallopian tube a laparotomy is needed to either remove or repair the damaged tube.
A Whole Health Perspective
Looking at Ectopic Pregnancy through a Whole Health model, we explore the individual’s unique presentation from the 5 Aspects of Whole Health™ perspective.