In the human body, a fertilized egg hardly survives outside the womb. If allowed to grow, it may damage nearby organs & cause severe blood loss.
The bulk of ectopic pregnancies occur in/along the Fallopian tubes.
Some in the ovaries, cervix or a random location in the abdomen.
The usual symptoms of ectopic pregnancy a woman may experience esp. in early pregnancy are;
* Abdominal pain
* Vaginal bleeding, &
* Amenorrhea (missing your period)
Other pregnancy symptoms like breast fullness & occasional nausea may be there too.
But the common DANGER SIGNS of ectopic pregnancy that may signify rupture are;
🔴 Rigid abdomen
🔴 Severe abdominal pain
🔴 Shoulder tip pain, &
🔴 Signs of shock such as cold hands & feet.
With these signs, immediate medical attention is needed to save the woman's life!
Your chances of having an ectopic pregnancy are higher if you have;
1. Previous ectopic pregnancy
2. STI's like gonorrhea
3. Fertility treatments like IVF*
4. Fallopian tube surgeries
5. Pregnancy while using an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device
6. Smoking history! 🚭
Your doctor may confirm ectopic pregnancy using;
• HCG blood test
• ultrasound scan, or
• laparoscopy (an operation on your abdomen).
AND
Depending on some factors, you may be resuscitated & treated with;
• expectant measures
• methotrexate, or
• surgery
TO PREVENT ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
1. Limit your sexual partners & use condoms.
This helps prevent STI's & reduce pelvic inflammatory disease.
2. Don't smoke.
If you do, quit before you trying getting pregnant.
Although you cant entirely prevent it, doing these can help!
To conclude, every pregnant woman esp. within the first 3 months of pregnancy needs to know the basic symptoms of ectopic pregnancy!
This may help her identify the problem early enough and access life-saving treatment on time before it's too late.
Kindly RT.
IVF* In-vitro fertilization
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