Ectopic pregnancy may not be common, but it’s not rare either. In fact, every year in the United States as many as 5% of pregnancies are ectopic. Without prompt treatment, ectopic pregnancies can cause life-threatening complications, yet many women don’t know what symptoms to look for.
At his practice in Newburgh, Indiana, Paul Morrison, M.D., has extensive experience treating ectopic pregnancies using the most advanced techniques. In this post, he offers a brief review of ectopic pregnancy, including an overview of what symptoms you should know about so you can seek care as soon as possible.
Pregnancy typically occurs when a fertilized egg (called a blastocyst) implants in the uterine lining, then begins to grow and develop. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube.
In fact, roughly 90% of ectopic pregnancies involve the fallopian tubes. Less commonly ectopic pregnancy can occur in the cervix, an ovary, or inside the abdominal cavity.
Most ectopic pregnancies are related to issues that affect the way the fallopian tubes work, including a buildup of scar tissue that prevents the egg frond ascending to the uterus. Potential risk factors include:
A history of prior ectopic pregnancies can also increase your risk.
Without prompt medical treatment, the implanted egg will begin to grow, increasing the risk of internal bleeding and other life-threatening problems. Knowing the symptoms associated with ectopic pregnancy help ensure you receive medical care as quickly as possible, ideally before complications occur.
Ectopic pregnancy symptoms may be subtle at first, becoming more severe as the implanted egg grows over time.
Not surprisingly pelvic or abdominal pain is one of the most critical warning signs. Pain usually is felt more intensely on one side, becoming worse over time.
While spotting is not uncommon in the early stages of a normal pregnancy, it can also be a sign associated with ectopic pregnancy. If you have bleeding during pregnancy, you should call the office right away.
This may sound like an odd symptom, but it happens when pressure associated with the ectopic pregnancy presses on nerves involved in bowel sensations. You might also feel pressure in or around your rectum.
The same pressure that causes bowel or rectal sensations may also press on nerves that travel to your shoulder, causing shoulder pain or discomfort. Severe shoulder pain could be a sign of serious internal bleeding.
These symptoms can be a sign of severe blood loss, particularly if the growing implant results in fallopian tube rupture. Because internal bleeding can be life-threatening, you should seek emergency care.
Ectopic pregnancies are not viable, and Dr. Morrison uses special techniques to remove the implant and prevent complications. The type of treatment he recommends depends on several factors including the stage of pregnancy and where the implant is located.
In the very early stages of pregnancy, Dr. Morrison may recommend medication to stop the growth of the implant and allow your body to absorb the tissue. This approach is only considered when there are no potential complications, like severe pain or internal bleeding.
For more advanced pregnancies or when the risk of rupture is higher, Dr. Morrison uses minimally invasive surgery to remove the implant. These surgeries use tiny incisions and a special instrument called a laparoscope to visualize the implant and remove it. For larger implants or when complications are present, he may recommend an open surgery to remove the implant and perform necessary repairs to the fallopian tubes or other structures or tissues.
After your treatment, you’ll be closely managed to monitor for potential complications. With early treatment, recovery is typically quick.
Ectopic pregnancies can occur in planned pregnancies and in unexpected pregnancies, which means you may have an ectopic pregnancy and not even know it. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to call 812-490-5200 or book an appointment online with the practice of Paul W. Morrison, M.D., to avoid potentially life-threatening complications.
