Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg, which is supposed to travel down the fallopian tubes and attach itself to the uterus, grows outside the uterine cavity. It’s a life-threatening medical emergency that requires an immediate visit to the high-risk pregnancy care hospital in Navi Mumbai for prompt diagnosis and treatment. In this post, we’ll take a look at how you can reduce your risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.
Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy
- Scarring on the fallopian tubes due to pelvic inflammatory diseases
- A history of ectopic pregnancy
- A birth defect in the fallopian tube, which may affect the egg’s movement
- Hormonal imbalances
- Advanced maternal age
- Certain lifestyle choices, like smoking
- A surgery involving the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries
Assisted reproductive technology, such as IVF, is also linked to a slightly higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.
How to Prevent Ectopic Pregnancy
While some factors might not be in your control, others, such as quitting smoking, following a healthy diet, and practicing safe sex, are a few tips that can lower your risk. Here’s a list of the ways to prevent ectopic pregnancy.
Quit Smoking: Smoking is injurious not only to your lungs but also to your reproductive health. Nicotine and other substances found in tobacco can impair your fallopian tubes. This makes it harder for the eggs to travel to the uterus.
Safe Sex: Protection, such as condoms, can minimize your risk of catching sexually transmitted infections. It’s best to limit the number of people you are sexually active with.
Identify Warning Signs: It’s important to see a gynecologist in Navi Mumbai if you have heavy periods, pelvic pain, and other unusual symptoms. These could be the signs of endometriosis and other reproductive conditions, which can cause scarring in your fallopian tubes. This might eventually increase your risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.
Get Ultrasounds: Your gynecologist will conduct an initial ultrasound in the first month to ensure the embryo is implanted in the right place. If you have had a pelvic surgery, especially if it involved your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the surrounding structure, it’s worth getting an early ultrasound to rule out ectopic pregnancy. Ultrasounds are also a must for women who’ve conceived after IVF, IUI, and other assisted reproductive procedures.
Is Ectopic Pregnancy Serious?
A pregnancy where the fertilized egg grows outside the uterine cavity cannot continue. Most of these cases involve fetal growth in the fallopian tubes, which is considered a medical emergency. If not treated promptly, it can burst your fallopian tube and cause excessive internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
In the initial weeks, you may not have pronounced symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. Only an imaging test, i.e., ultrasound, can tell if the embryo is attached to the uterus or elsewhere.
Treatment includes medication to stop the pregnancy from continuing. If your pregnancy has progressed and the tubes are ruptured, surgical removal of the embryo (along with the affected tube) may be necessary. Sometimes, the tube is repaired and left in place.