Tubal Pregnancy Symptoms
All about Tubal Pregnancy Symptoms
Becoming pregnant can be the most wonderful experience, but for those women who are at more risk of experiencing tubal pregnancy symptoms it is important to be able to recognize them. Early recognition of the condition can increase the opportunity for normal pregnancies in the future.
Ectopic pregnancies occur in about one of every 50 or 60 pregnancies. The simplest definition is that of a fertilized egg which becomes implanted outside of the uterus. This abnormality can occur if one or both of the fallopian tubes is damaged in some way, or blocked by scar tissue. In a normal conception, the egg is released by the ovary and becomes fertilized in the fallopian tube before it automatically heads directly for the uterus where it can attach and begin its development into a fetus. In some cases, this well laid out plan goes awry when the fertilized egg’s path to the uterus is impeded. A fallopian tube that is damaged as a result of infections, induced abortions, tubal ligation, surgery or simply as a result of age or nature will create a hazardous roadway for the egg’s travel. The egg can become trapped in the tube, resulting in its attachment within the fallopian tube which is not designed for this purpose. Therefore, the embryo is unable to develop normally, and symptoms will begin to develop signaling that something has gone wrong.
A birth is never a viable possibility with what is called a tubal pregnancy; symptoms, though, may initially be similar to those of a normal pregnancy. Dizziness, fainting, breast tenderness and nausea are common in either situation in the early stages. Symptoms that will indicate a problem are sudden, sharp pains in the abdomen, pain in the shoulder area and vaginal bleeding. Even more serious are a racing pulse and clammy skin, which could very well mean that the fallopian tube has burst and that the individual is experiencing signs of being in shock.
Treating an ectopic pregnancy will depend on several factors, including the size of the embryo and the certainty of the diagnosis. One method of treatment is the use of the drug methotrexate, which neutralizes the growth of the embryo and, over time, allows the body to reabsorb it. Since this treatment is not always foolproof, follow up visits to the doctor are necessary to ensure that the pregnancy has been terminated.
In some cases, the tubal pregnancy symptoms may not be acted upon promptly and the embryo becomes too large to treat with methotrexate. When excessive bleeding and extreme pain are experienced, this may be an indication that surgery is in order. This may be done in a laparoscopically or abdominally.
There is no way to avoid an ectopic pregnancy. However, it is possible to avoid risk factors that could lead to a greater probability for such a condition. STDS (sexually transmitted diseases) often cause conditions that result in fallopian tube blockage; avoiding STDS helps lower the risk of tubal pregnancies. Using an IUD as a means of birth control can increase the risk; using other forms generally less the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. Also, since women between the ages of 35 and 45 stand a greater chance of having an ectopic pregnancy, it is wise to consult your OB-GYN if you are within this age group and trying to become pregnant.
Starting a family can be an exciting and wonderful time for a couple, but when tubal pregnancy symptoms threaten to spoil that magical time it can be devastating. Being able to recognize the early signs of the condition will help to assure that normal and successful; pregnancies will follow.