An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants somewhere outside of the uterus. This can happen as the sperm fertilises the egg inside the fallopian tube.
A fertilised egg can also implant on the cervix, the ovary, and in the peritoneal cavity - which is the space within your abdomen that contains your intestines, stomach, and liver. Most commonly an ectopic pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tube, known as a tubal pregnancy.
Unfortunately, tubal pregnancies pose a risk to the mother’s life if the pregnancy is allowed to continue. This means the pregnancy cannot be saved, according to the NHS.
The fallopian tube cannot accommodate a growing embryo and can burst if not treated, causing internal bleeding and other life-threatening conditions. To avoid this ectopic pregnancies in the fallopian tubes are removed in surgery or using medicine.
Will an ectopic pregnancy show up on a pregnancy test?
Yes, an ectopic pregnancy will show up as a positive on a pregnancy test as the same hormones are released. So it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.
In the UK, there are around 11,000 ectopic pregnancies each year. That’s around 1 in every 90 pregnancies, according to figures from the NHS .
What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
Most ectopic pregnancies are detected in the first trimester of pregnancy. If no symptoms occur an ectopic pregnancy will be picked up during an early pregnancy scan.
Symptoms to look out for according to the NHS guidelines include: A missed period and other signs of pregnancy, tummy pain low down on one side, vaginal bleeding or a brown watery discharge, pain in the tip of your shoulder, discomfort when going to the bathroom.
If you have any of these symptoms make an appointment to see your GP. They may refer you to a specialist early pregnancy clinic for further assessment, such as an ultrasound or blood test.
If you experience a sharp, sudden and intense pain in your tummy, fainting or dizzy spells, feeling sick, or looking very pale, the NHS advises you to attend A&E or call for emergency help.
How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?
Ectopic pregnancies are usually treated in one of three ways. Either the fertilised egg will dissolve by itself, in which case you will be carefully monitored until you’re given a clean bill of health.
If this doesn’t take place you may be given medication. A powerful injection of methotrexate will be used to stop the pregnancy growing, according to the NHS.
Alternatively, you may be required to undergo keyhole surgery in which the fertilised egg will be removed. The affected fallopian tube is also usually removed. This is carried out under general anaesthetic.
Will I be able to get pregnant again after an ectopic pregnancy?
For most women who’ve suffered an ectopic pregnancy they will be able to get pregnant again. This is the case even if one fallopian tube has been removed, the NHS states.
There is a slight increased risk, 10%, of having an ectopic pregnancy again. However, NHS figures show that overall 65% of women have a successful pregnancy within 18 months of having an ectopic pregnancy.
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