Ectopic pregnancy and its symptoms
The news of you being pregnant will leave you ecstatic. However, there are several things that a newly conceived woman should be aware about. One is the predominance of ectopic pregnancy. Research says that almost two out of every 100 pregnancies is an ectopic one. This means that your baby is developing outside the womb, most often in the fallopian tubes.
As your pregnancy progresses you will feel pain and experience spotting or even bleeding. If not diagnosed at the right time, you may end up with a fatal internal hemorrhage. This type of conception cannot be saved and removing it is the only solution. Ectopic pregnancies are usually found out between the fifth to the seventh week of pregnancy.
Women at risk are
Women at risk are of an ectopic pregnancy are those who may have suffered a pelvic inflammatory disease of any sort. Any abdominal surgery including an appendix removal or even an earlier caesarean section will put you at risk. The presence of an internal contraception device of sort will prevent a pregnancy from occurring in the right place. Women over 35 years of age are also at risk when it comes to an ectopic pregnancy.
Symptoms you should look out for
If you are experiencing persistent, stabbing, one-sided pain in your lower abdomen, schedule a visit with your doctor. If you notice any vaginal bleeding that is dark and watery in consistency, check in with your doctor. If you feel dizzy, faint and experience diarrhea and vomiting with or without pain, go to your doctor. If you are finding it difficult to urinate or empty your bowels get yourself checked. Unwarranted pain around your diaphragm could mean internal bleeding and will need to be checked.
At the hospital you may be asked to do an internal ultrasound examination as well as a blood hormone test. However, if it is found that you have internal bleeding you will be taken to surgery immediately.
There are several questions that will arise when one has had an ectopic pregnancy. The primary one is whether fertility is affected. In all probability the answer will be a yes. If you fallopian tubes have not been damaged as a result, then your chances of conception are better. Those who have suffered an ectopic pregnancy run 10 per cent chance of it occurring again. Women are generally advised to wait at least four months before trying to get pregnant again. For those who have had surgery, six months is a good time to allow for healing of the scars.
An ectopic pregnancy does not mean that you will be deprived of motherhood. It only means that you will have to be extra cautious when it comes to your health and that of your unborn child.
