What is an ectopic pregnancy

A tubal or ectopic pregnancy is one that occurs outside the uterus. Usually, in such cases,  a fertilized egg is implanted in the Fallopian tube, instead of in the uterine cavity. The occurrence of an ectopic pregnancy is about 2 in a 100. This condition is probably caused by some irregularity in the Fallopian tube that obstructs the passage of the egg into the uterus. The chances of a fertilized egg being implanted in the ovary, abdominal cavity or the cervix are extremely rare.
 

What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy

• Moderate to severe pains in the region of the lower abdomen that may initially begin on one side, but may spread to the entire abdominal area
• Spotting or light bleeding may occur a few days or weeks before the onset of pain.
• The bleeding may become heavy if the tube ruptures .
• 25-50% of women may experience nausea and vomiting that may be difficult to distinguish from morning sickness.
• Dizziness, weakness and fainting

What are the implications of an ectopic pregnancy

It is imperative that this condition be diagnosed and treated at the earliest. If this condition remains undetected, the pregnancy will continue to grow in the tube leading to the rupture of the tube. Consequently, fertilized eggs will not be able to travel through the tube to the uterus in future conceptions. An untreated ruptured tube could endanger the mother's life.
 

How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed

The level of the hormone hCG in the mother's blood is an indicator of an ectopic pregnancy. Pregnancy test results that show that the level of hCG hormone in the mother's blood has fallen or has not risen with the progress of pregnancy, indicate an abnormal pregnancy. An ultrasound may reveal the absence of a gestational sac in the uterus or the development of a pregnancy in the Fallopian tube. A laparascopy enables the doctor to view the tubes directly and confirm the diagnosis.
 

How is an ectopic pregnancy treated

An ectopic pregnancy is treated through surgery with a laparascope. The surgical procedure is determined by the location of the ectopic pregnancy. Pregnancies near the open end of the tube can often be removed without cutting the tube, while those nearer to the uterus must be cut out. Ectopic pregnancies that occur in the part of the tube contained within the wall of the uterus are called interstitial pregnancies. In such cases, the doctors may have no choice but to perform a hysterectomy, i.e. the uterus itself will have to be removed along with the tube and the products of conception. Recently, an anticancer drug called methotrexate is being administered as an alternative to surgery. It works by putting a stop to cell growth. Consequently, the pregnancy is destroyed.