Paying attention to the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy is crucial, as it is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.
What is an ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, where fetal development should normally take place.
Ectopic pregnancies are most often located in the fallopian tube, although they can also implant in the cervix, ovaries, or even the abdominal cavity.
This condition is considered a medical emergency because the tissues where ectopic implantation occurs are not designed to support the growth of a pregnancy. As the embryo grows, it can damage surrounding structures, leading to severe complications that may endanger the mother’s life.
The most frequent causes of ectopic pregnancy include damage or blockages in the fallopian tubes, often due to infections, previous surgeries, or congenital anomalies.
Other risk factors include a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, previous ectopic pregnancies, intrauterine device (IUD) use, and habits such as smoking.
Ectopic pregnancy represents only about 1–2% of all pregnancies, making it relatively uncommon, but it is important to know the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy, symptoms
There are no specific symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, but it is important to pay attention to the following situations and seek medical care immediately:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain: Severe pain in this area is one of the most common symptoms and is generally located on one side of the abdomen; its onset may be sudden or progressive.
- Abnormal bleeding: vaginal bleeding may be light or heavy and differs from menstrual bleeding. It is often dark brown in color.
- Shoulder pain: this lesser-known symptom may occur due to diaphragmatic irritation caused by blood accumulating in the abdominal cavity.
- Dizziness or fainting: occur due to significant blood loss and may be accompanied by a feeling of weakness.
- Other symptoms: a woman with an ectopic pregnancy may also experience breast tenderness, fatigue, or nausea.
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if these signs appear, as they are often mistaken for those of a normal pregnancy and overlooked. This is especially critical if experiencing severe abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding.
How long can an ectopic pregnancy progress
In the long term, an ectopic pregnancy is not viable; it is generally diagnosed and treated in the early weeks of gestation, usually between the sixth and tenth week, although this may vary depending on multiple factors.
If an ectopic pregnancy causes rupture of the fallopian tube, this becomes a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery, which typically occurs around weeks six to eight.
It is possible that ectopic pregnancy symptoms may not be noticed in time, allowing it to progress beyond the tenth week, although this carries extreme risks for the mother. For this reason, proper medical follow-up from the moment pregnancy is confirmed is essential.
For early detection, the required obstetric checkups usually include pelvic ultrasound tests and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) level measurements; these tests help identify an ectopic pregnancy before a rupture occurs.
Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that puts a woman’s life at risk if not treated promptly.
Recognizing the early symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, such as abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, is vital to ensuring timely medical attention and preventing serious health complications for the mother.
At the Obstetrics Center of the ABC Medical Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes
MedlinePlus, MSD Manuals, Kids Health
