Highlights
- An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants outside the uterus, and unfortunately, the pregnancy cannot be continued.
- A dating scan (early pregnancy scan) done around 8–10 weeks helps doctors confirm the baby’s position and rule out ectopic pregnancy.
- Common symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include shoulder tip pain, sharp one-sided abdominal pain, and severe vaginal bleeding.
- Immediate medical attention is crucial, as an untreated ectopic pregnancy can even lead life-threatening complications including severe internal bleeding.
Introduction
Do you know why doctors always recommend an early pregnancy scan to confirm your pregnancy?
It’s because the very first scan, also called a pregnancy confirmation scan, provides crucial answers.
In these early weeks, doctors look for the baby’s position (to make sure it’s inside the uterus and not an ectopic pregnancy), the presence of a heartbeat (to confirm viability), and the baby’s age and growth.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus instead of inside it.
The most common region where this happens is the fallopian tube, but it can also happen in other areas like the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity.
Since the embryo cannot survive and develop in regions other than the uterus, the pregnancy cannot be continued unfortunately.
How Does It Differ from a Normal Pregnancy?
In a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus and attaches itself to the wall of the uterus also called the uterine wall. Whereas, in an ectopic pregnancy, this journey is interrupted and the implantation fails to occur in the uterus.
An ectopic pregnancy requires immediate medical attention as it can pose serious concerns to the mother’s health.
Where Can an Ectopic Pregnancy Occur?
- Fallopian Tube
- Ovarian Ectopic Pregnancy
- Abdominal Ectopic Pregnancy
- Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy
- Liver
What Causes an Ectopic Pregnancy?
- History of ectopic pregnancy
- History of Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Scarring in the fallopian tubes due to prior surgery
- Endometriosis
- Mother’s age over 35
- Assisted fertility treatments
- Smoking
- Unknown or unexplained causes
Can Ectopic Pregnancy Happen Without Any Risk Factors?
Yes. In some cases, an ectopic pregnancy can be caused even without any medical history or risk factors. This is why early monitoring of pregnancy is crucial.
Early Signs and Symptoms
Healthy pregnancy Vs Ectopic Pregnancy
| Symptom | Normal Pregnancy | Ectopic Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|
| Missed period | Yes | Yes |
| Positive pregnancy test | Yes | Yes |
| Nausea, breast tenderness, tiredness | Yes | Yes |
| Abdominal pain | Mild abdominal pain | Severe, sharp pain especially on one side |
| Vaginal bleeding | Mild spotting | Severe bleeding |
| Shoulder tip pain | Not common | Very common |
| Urge to pass stool / pelvic pressure | Not common | Very common |
When Symptoms Become an Emergency
Seek immediate medical help if you experience:
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain especially on one side
- Shoulder tip pain
- Severe dizziness or fainting
How is an Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?
Ultrasound Scans
A transvaginal ultrasound is one of the most accurate ways to detect an ectopic pregnancy. It helps doctors see where the embryo has been implanted.
This is why it is recommended to not miss out on prenatal ultrasound scans.
Blood Tests for hCG Levels
Beta HCG blood test is a routine blood test done to confirm pregnancy. Although expectant mothers with ectopic pregnancy have higher levels of this hormone than a non-pregnant woman, the levels are usually lower than a normal healthy pregnancy.
Can an Ectopic Pregnancy continue normally?
Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy can not be continued. This is because, in an ectopic pregnancy the embryo is implanted outside the uterus.
Uterus is the only organ in the female body that can support embryo growth and development.
Is Ectopic Pregnancy dangerous?
Yes, an ectopic pregnancy is dangerous for the mother’s health and it requires immediate medical help.
This is because not taking timely action can lead to rupture of internal organs such as the fallopian tube and can cause severe internal bleeding leading to life-threatening conditions.
Treatment Options for Ectopic Pregnancy
Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy cannot be continued and it requires termination of the pregnancy.
The termination of pregnancy can be done through either of these methods:
- Medication to stop the growth
- Laparoscopic surgery to remove
- Emergency surgery in case of rupture of organs
Conclusion
Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that requires timely diagnosis and medical care.
Since it can appear similar to a normal pregnancy in the early stages, only an early ultrasound scan also known as a dating scan can confirm it.
Detecting an ectopic pregnancy early on not only protects the mother’s health but also helps in planning the future pregnancies safely. Hence it is advised to not miss out on any prenatal scans.
At Jammi Scans, our pregnancy scan expert Dr. Deepthi Jammi performs every scan with precision and care.
With advanced ultrasound imaging and expertise in fetal medicine, we ensure a healthy pregnancy journey by prioritizing the well-being of both mother and baby.
Call 7338771733 now to book your pregnancy scan today.
FAQs
1. Can you get pregnant again after an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Yes, many women often have healthy pregnancies after an ectopic pregnancy if the previous ectopic pregnancy was treated properly.
2. Is ectopic pregnancy always painful?
Not always. Some women experience mild or no abdominal pain in the early stages of pregnancy. This is why it is important to schedule your early pregnancy scan as ectopic pregnancy can be detected during the scan.
3. Can ectopic pregnancy resolve on its own?
No. Usually, an ectopic pregnancy does not resolve on its own. It requires immediate medical care.
4. Is there a way to detect ectopic pregnancy without ultrasound?
Although mothers with ectopic pregnancy have lower levels of Beta HCG hormone in their blood, only an ultrasound can 100% confirm the location of the embryo. Hence an ultrasound is mandatory to detect ectopic pregnancy.
