Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic Pregnancy is a potentially serious condition where a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. At Dr. Rupa Pandra, expert care is provided for ectopic pregnancies, focusing on timely diagnosis and effective treatment to safeguard both your health and future fertility.

Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy

In a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining, where it can develop into a healthy fetus. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the egg implants in an abnormal location, such as the fallopian tube, ovary, or abdominal cavity. This situation poses significant risks because the growing tissue cannot sustain a pregnancy and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.

Common Symptoms

Ectopic pregnancy may present with a range of symptoms, including:

• Abdominal Pain: Sharp or crampy pain on one side of the abdomen, which may become increasingly severe.
• Vaginal Bleeding: Light to heavy bleeding or spotting that differs from your regular menstrual cycle.
• Shoulder Pain: Pain radiating to the shoulder, which may indicate internal bleeding irritating the diaphragm.
• Dizziness or Fainting: Symptoms suggesting internal bleeding or a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, potentially causing a drop in blood pressure.

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is critical for managing an ectopic pregnancy and preventing complications. Diagnostic methods include:

• Transvaginal Ultrasound: An imaging technique used to visualize the uterus and fallopian tubes to confirm the location of the pregnancy.
• Blood Tests: To measure levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. Abnormal levels can indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
• Pelvic Examination: A physical exam to check for tenderness or other signs that suggest an ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment Options

The treatment for an ectopic pregnancy depends on its size, location, and whether it has caused internal bleeding. Options include:

• Medications: Methotrexate is used to stop the growth of the ectopic tissue and allow the body to absorb it. This is typically used in early ectopic pregnancies diagnosed early.
• Surgical Intervention: If the ectopic pregnancy is larger or causing complications, surgery may be necessary. This can be performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive) to remove the ectopic tissue and, if needed, repair or remove the affected fallopian tube.
• Emergency Surgery: In cases of rupture or severe internal bleeding, immediate surgical intervention is required to address the emergency and stabilize the patient.

Future Fertility

An ectopic pregnancy can impact future fertility, especially if surgery is required to remove a fallopian tube. However, many women who have experienced an ectopic pregnancy go on to conceive and have healthy pregnancies in the future. Dr. Rupa Pandra’s fertility specialists work closely with patients to monitor reproductive health and plan for future pregnancies.