The pregnancy journey is deeply personal and different for every woman. Every pregnancy is unique, and not every path to parenthood unfolds as expected. An ectopic pregnancy adds an extra layer of complexity to this narrative, emphasising the importance of awareness, understanding, and compassionate care.
In the face of unexpected challenges like ectopic pregnancy, it’s important to navigate this journey with sensitivity, providing support and medical expertise to those who may be walking a path less travelled on their way to parenthood. In this blog, we’ll help you understand more about ectopic pregnancies and share some valuable insights to ease the uncertainty surrounding this unique challenge.
About one or two in every 100 pregnancies are ectopic.
Conception commonly occurs in the fallopian tube, then the fertilised egg makes its way to the womb. In the womb, the egg implants itself into the womb lining and generally continues to grow and develop. With an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo implants in the fallopian tube and continues to grow, even though there isn’t a suitable blood supply or space to expand.
There are also very rare cases where the egg implants in the neck of the cervix, on the ovary or it can implant to a previous caesarean scar.
It’s not always known why ectopic pregnancies occur.
There are risk factors that can increase your chance of an ectopic pregnancy, which include:
Some common symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include:
If you experience severe abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, significantly increased bleeding, or dizziness while awaiting treatment, please seek emergency medical attention.
The fallopian tube can’t grow and expand, preventing the progression of an ectopic pregnancy. As the pregnancy increases in size, it puts pressure on the tube, leading to intense pain and the potential for tube rupture. In the event of a rupture, severe internal bleeding may occur and you’ll need immediate surgery.
It’s crucial to treat an ectopic pregnancy, to stop it growing and to stop possible severe internal bleeding. There are three options to treat an ectopic pregnancy, surgery, medication and monitoring.
Surgery: Surgery may be recommended if your gynaecologist believes you have internal bleeding. It will depend on your symptoms. A laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) will be performed under general anaesthetic. This involves a small incision in your abdomen and a tiny telescope being inserted to view your organs. If an ectopic pregnancy is found, it will be removed. In some cases, it’s necessary to remove part of the fallopian tube to control the bleeding.
In some rare cases, the surgeon may need to perform open surgery, which means a longer healing process and a larger scar.
Medication: If your gynaecologist believes your risk of internal bleeding is low and if the ectopic pregnancy is small, medicine is available to stop the pregnancy. It’s an injection, which may need to be repeated or you may need to have surgery if it’s not successful. Medication isn’t suitable if you are breastfeeding and it’s important not to get pregnant for three to four months after. Medication isn’t suitable for some women with certain medical conditions and you will need to have a blood test to check your liver and kidney function before starting treatment.
Monitoring: If there are signs that you are having a that your ectopic pregnancy is miscarriageying, it’s best to monitor your condition. Signs you are miscarrying include minimum pain, no definite sign of ectopic pregnancy on your ultrasound exam and your pregnancy hormones falling. You will need follow-up blood tests to ensure the pregnancy tissue isn’t remaining.
While there is an increased risk of having another ectopic pregnancy in the future, you can still fall pregnant. Your gynaecologist will be able to give you the best information according to your specific circumstances. It’s normally recommended to wait two months after surgery and three to four months after medication before falling pregnant again. If you do conceive, an early ultrasound examination at five to six weeks is recommended.
Navigating an ectopic pregnancy involves not only physical challenges but also emotional complexities that often bring feelings of loss and disappointment. At Grace Private, our commitment goes beyond gynaecological care; our holistic approach integrates the expertise of obstetricians, both gynaecologists and psychologists to provide comprehensive support.
Engaging with a Grace psychologist offers valuable guidance, creating a safe space for emotional healing and understanding during this challenging journey. Our compassionate professionals are dedicated to addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of ectopic pregnancies, ensuring you receive personalised care every step of the way.
