An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a normal fertilized egg implants anywhere other than the main cavity of the uterus.
-In a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus called endometrium.
-An ectopic pregnancy most often happens in one of the fallopian tubes where the process of fertilization takes place and formation of embryo happens.
-This embryo than travels the length of Fallopian tubes comes to the uterus and gets attached over there.
-If this journey is not completed, Ectopic pregnancy happens.
-In some cases though, an Ectopic pregnancy occurs in the abdominal cavity, ovary or cervix.
Symptoms
One-sided, intense, persistent pain in lower abdomen.
Collapse, preceded by dizziness, diarrhoea, vomiting, and/or pain.
Vaginal bleeding.
Shoulder-tip pain: This may occur in case of internal bleeding which irritates other internal body organs such as diaphragm.
Pain in lower back.
Pain while passing urine or stool.
Treatments
Treatment options include laparoscopy & laparotomy. Laparotomy is an open procedure whereby a transverse incision is made across the lower abdomen. Laparoscopy is preferred over laparotomy because of tiny incisions and speedy recovery. We prefer treating such patients with laparoscopy as recovery is faster.
Dr Himani Gupta, Gynaecologist & Obstetrician at Kharghar Navi Mumbai who practices at Mother ‘n’ Care Clinic takes utmost care with due urgency of her Ectopic pregnancy patients.