An ectopic pregnancy is rare occurrence, but still a reality, and while most women will never experience it, it is important to know the details.
While ectopic pregnancy is not that common, it still is a reality. Get It Bloemfontein spoke to Dr Nadia van der Westhuizen to find out more about the occurrence, prevention, and treatments.
“An ectopic pregnancy is generally a very painful physical and emotional experience,” explains Dr Nadia, “a pregnancy that has implanted in the wrong physiological location.”
For a normal pregnancy to occur, the embryo should implant in the uterus. This is unfortunately not always the case. When an ectopic pregnancy occurs, and the embryo implants elsewhere, it will not grow properly, and cause complications.
“2% of all pregnancies can be ectopic,” said Dr Nadia. According to her, the most common site for ectopic implantation is the fallopian tubes, where fertilisation occurs.
“The embryo should be transported to the uterine cavity,” she continued. “If this process is impeded, the embryo may implant in the tube and start growing there. Initially, it is small and the patient may not be aware of it, but once the space becomes too small for the embryo, the tube may burst, causing the pregnancy to leak blood into the abdominal cavity. This is life-threatening and must be treated immediately.”
Ectopic pregnancies can also implant in other places in the abdomen, but according to Dr Nadia, these are rare and require careful treatment by specialised gynaecologists. “This is a major reason why we recommend that patients follow up early with their gynaecologists,” she said.
Treating an ectopic pregnancy depends on whether the embryo has been ruptured or not. Treatments include expectant management, medical treatment, or surgical management.
“Ectopic pregnancies are not that common in reproductive women, can be a dangerous diagnosis and need to be treated as soon as possible,” explained Dr Nadia. “If treated quickly and correctly, this will have minimal effect on the patient and good prognosis in future.”
The most common risk factors for ectopic pregnancies are:
- Age over 40 years
- Previous surgery on the fallopian tubes
- Previous abortions or miscarriages
- Previous ectopic pregnancy
- Intrauterine devices like the Copper T or Mirena
- Pelvic infections, especially sexually transmitted diseases
- Smoking, currently or previously
- Multiple sexual partners
- Patients with infertility issues
- Endometriosis
Text and Photograph: Warren Hawkins
