There are 2 types of abdominal pregnancy:

• A primary abdominal pregnancy is one in which the conception and development of the pregnancy process occurs directly in the abdominal cavity itself.
• A secondary abdominal pregnancy is one in which conception and the initial stages of embryogenesis in the tube occurred, and even the possibility of a tubal pregnancy interrupted by the method of tubal abortion is allowed, after which the fetal egg is attached to the pelvic area.

Often a fertilized egg is attached to the area of ​​the surface of the uterus, omentum, spleen, intestines, liver, peritoneum (especially in the Douglas space). In the case when the fetal egg is implanted in a place where blood circulation may not be enough, then, unfortunately, the fetus usually dies sooner or later. However, when there is enough blood circulation, the fetus will be able to develop, especially when you consider that the volume of the abdominal cavity does not prevent it from growing. But when large branches of blood vessels become destructive to the chorionic villi, internal bleeding may begin, which can lead to damage to internal organs.

There were only a few cases when abdominal pregnancy reached the due date. The amniotic fluids, chorion, amnion, placenta, umbilical cord and the fetus itself develop at the same rate as in a standard pregnancy, but since they are outside the uterus, the baby is at risk due to insufficient protection, and accordingly there is a serious threat to the mother, after all, the decidua does not interfere with the invasion of the placental tissue. The uterus enlarges slightly, and the decidua grows even if there is no fetus in it.

Causes and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

There are several reasons why an abdominal pregnancy may occur. Often this phenomenon is observed in those women who have all kinds of pathologies of the fallopian tubes, if their anatomy or functionality has been disturbed:

1. Inflammatory diseases of the tubes of a chronic nature (salpingoophoritis, salpingitis, hydrosalpinx), which were not cured in a timely manner or in an inadequate way.
2. Previous surgery on the fallopian tube or other abdominal organs. In the latter case, the formation of adhesions may occur, which interfere with the natural progression of the egg.
3. Congenital defects and anomalies of the fallopian tubes.

Symptoms that can occur during pregnancy in the abdominal cavity:

For no reason, against the background of complete health, a woman may experience severe pain, in connection with which fainting may occur.

Pregnancy diagnostics

Diagnosis of pregnancy in the abdominal cavity is very problematic, as it is often detected if there is bleeding or with serious damage to the internal organs where the implantation occurred. The symptoms of abdominal pregnancy are identical to those of normal pregnancy.

The most basic standards for diagnosing any type of ectopic pregnancy are:

• Plasma analysis for hCG, which shows the detection of a discrepancy between its level and a possible period.
• During the ultrasound, it is possible to detect whether the fetal egg is in the uterine cavity or not.

When a careful and highly professional obstetric examination is performed, especially if an ultrasound was performed, it is possible to determine the fetus that is not surrounded by the uterine walls while the uterus, which is not a fetus, is slightly enlarged, namely, there is a discrepancy with the existing gestational age. During pregnancy, the abdominal cavity is often in a transverse position. Drawing pains in the lower abdomen and symptoms accompanied by internal bleeding may also be felt. In this case, having made a preliminary ultrasound, the intervention of surgeons may be necessary, because there is a threat of interruption, uterine rupture or placental abruption.

How to prepare for an ultrasound

Treatment during pregnancy in the abdominal cavity is carried out in the form of extraction of the fetus along with the membrane and the placenta, after undergoing an ultrasound scan to exclude adverse factors. Since the place of attachment of the fetus is atypical, there may be complications for the woman, in this regard, there is a possibility of expanding the surgical operation. There were cases associated with abnormalities in the development of the fetus, which led to hypoxia and death. However, extractions of viable and full-term babies were also recorded.

Ultrasound during the determination of an ectopic or abdominal pregnancy may not always be an effective research option, especially if the woman is in the initial stages. To exclude or confirm the diagnosis, a transvaginal ultrasound can be performed, in which the probe is inserted directly into the vagina. This method is much more effective than the use of transabdominal ultrasound, when the study is carried out through the anterior abdominal wall. Thanks to the first type of ultrasound, there is a chance to exclude or confirm an ectopic pregnancy as early as 4-4.5 weeks.

With an ectopic abdominal pregnancy, you should prepare for an ultrasound scan in the same way as with a normal pregnancy, especially when it comes to the first trimester.

So, three days before visiting the ultrasound, you must abandon the following products:

• carbonated drinks;
• bakery;
• Rye bread;
• legumes;
• dairy products;
• cabbage.

If there is a need for ultrasound not only of the abdominal cavity, but also of the mother's kidneys, then you need to drink 500 ml of water an hour before the procedure and do not urinate until the very process of the study.

Planning for a subsequent pregnancy

After surgery to remove the fetus in an abdominal pregnancy, it becomes necessary to use oral contraceptives before the next pregnancy. Before planning children, you need to be fully examined in order to understand the cause of the previous ectopic pregnancy. To do this, you can use the services of ultrasound.

After the cause is discovered and measures taken, it is worthwhile to come to grips with the psychological state, since it is necessary to tune in emotionally to a new stage before the previous unsuccessful attempt. A woman should be less nervous, only a positive mood will be tuned in and more mentally rest.

Often, after an unsuccessful abdominal or other ectopic pregnancy, about 40% of women experience serious complications during the second attempt at conception. This suggests that a woman is too attached to a bad experience on an emotional level, and then this can prevent her from conceiving a healthy baby and becoming a happy mother. Do not forget that these are only temporary difficulties that can be overcome if timely medical intervention and support from loved ones are provided.

Most women are happy when they find out they are pregnant. It’s good when it develops normally and a growing tummy pleases the eye every day. But not always everything is so good. Two stripes on the test will be a real curse if the embryo is attached outside the uterus. This pathological condition leads to serious consequences. Why does it occur and what to do if a woman finds out about an ectopic pregnancy?

Physiology

An ectopic (ectopic) pregnancy is formed when the fertilized egg is fixed outside the uterine cavity. This is very dangerous for the life and health of a woman.

Ectopic pregnancy is not uncommon. About 2% of pregnancies are ectopic.

Fertilization of the egg is carried out in the fallopian tube, then the zygote (the same fertilized egg) descends into the uterus and finds a “comfortable place”, fixes itself there and develops. The process takes about a week.

In an ectopic pregnancy, the zygote remains in the tube, cervix, or enters the ovary or abdominal cavity, localizes there and grows, causing tissue stretching with the threat of rupture and internal bleeding. Implantation during ectopic pregnancy is somewhat shorter than during normal pregnancy, and lasts 4-5 days from the moment of fertilization.

general information

Ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous pathology characterized by ectopic attachment of the fetal egg. General information on this issue will provide an opportunity to understand why and how this happens.

Risk factors

No woman is immune from an ectopic pregnancy. Back in the 17th century, doctors of that time described cases of this pathology, and in the 18th century the first attempts were made to treat it.

Even after IVF, an ectopic pregnancy is possible. The embryo during the procedure is planted in the uterus, but it can migrate into the tube, ovary or cervix.

There are factors that increase the risk of getting this pathology. The main ones are:

• previous operations on the fallopian tubes and abortions;
• sterilization;
• ectopic pregnancies that happened in the past;
• intrauterine devices;
• inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs, both cured and progressive;
• hormonal disorders;
• infertility for more than two years;
• mother's age over 35 years;
• smoking;
• severe stress;
• slowness of sperm in a partner.

The mechanism of development of pathology

Any pregnancy occurs due to the fusion of the sperm with the egg in the fallopian tubes. The zygote needs to get to the uterus and gain a foothold there for further development in the conditions provided for by nature. The little unit of life does not move towards the womb on its own. Special cilia of the epithelium help her in this: they are lined from the inside of the fallopian tubes.

The process is disrupted if the cilia are damaged or do not perform their function correctly. Then the zygote does not have time to get into the uterus and remains in the tube, enters the ovary or into the abdominal cavity and continues to grow. This is how an ectopic pregnancy is formed, the consequences of which without timely treatment are very deplorable.

Classification

Ectopic pregnancy is divided into:

• tubal pregnancy (most common);
• ovarian pregnancy;
• cervical pregnancy;
• pregnancy in the abdominal cavity;
• heterotopic pregnancy (one fetal egg is located in the uterus, and the other outside it);
• pregnancy in the scar after caesarean section (isolated cases).

Pathogenesis

How to distinguish an ectopic pregnancy from a normal one? In the early stages, ectopic pregnancy is practically not manifested. There may be symptoms characteristic of a normal pregnancy: delayed menstruation, engorgement of the mammary glands, mild toxicosis. In the first 2 months after the fertilization of the egg, due to hormonal changes, the uterus increases, but then stops growth. However, over such a long period of time, an ectopic pregnancy will definitely make itself felt.

The fertilized egg grows outside the uterine cavity. An increase in its size provokes pressure on the surrounding tissues and their trauma.

The main signs and symptoms of any uncomplicated ectopic pregnancy, that is, for a period of 2-4 weeks:

• bleeding from the vagina;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• a feeling of fullness in the abdomen;
• constipation.

4-6 weeks - the period of pronounced clinical manifestations of ectopic pregnancy. The fetal egg is already so large that it is already impossible not to notice the signs of pathology. Abdominal pregnancy usually manifests itself later, but the main sign of a critical condition in this pathology is regular and debilitating pain in the abdomen. Such sensations indicate internal bleeding of a non-intense nature.

If the fetal egg was fixed in the tube, then, most likely, a critical increase in the size of the egg will cause it to rupture and, accordingly, very profuse internal bleeding. The woman at this moment will feel a sharp pain up to the loss of consciousness. Pallor of the skin, slowing of the pulse, vomiting, weakness are noted. Sometimes a fertilized egg breaks open inside the tube (tubal miscarriage). This situation has a more favorable prognosis, because the internal organs remain intact. Other types of ectopic pregnancy will also not go unnoticed. Pain and internal hematomas will definitely manifest themselves.

The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy superficially resemble a miscarriage that has begun during a uterine pregnancy. Doctors often do not immediately determine what happened, and any delay is dangerous.

Effects

Any kind of ectopic pregnancy is extremely dangerous. The sooner the pathology is identified and measures taken to eliminate it, the less serious the consequences will be. An ectopic pregnancy without treatment can cause:

• internal bleeding and associated anemia;
• rupture of the fallopian tube, ovary;
• pain shock;
• adhesions in the pelvic area;
• infertility;
• fatal outcome.

If you consult a doctor in time, you can reduce the risk of serious consequences. Therefore, for any discomfort in the abdomen and for violations of the cycle, you need to come to an appointment with a gynecologist and be examined in accordance with his recommendations.

Diagnostics

Many doctors make a real diagnosis too late, when the woman is already in a critical condition. This is because the symptoms of pathology are blurred or they are not at all. With a delay in menstruation, a positive pregnancy test is recommended to do an ultrasound. If during the study a fetal egg was not found, then it is worth sounding the alarm, since there is a possibility that the embryo is outside the uterine cavity, but is still too small to be visualized using ultrasound. How to accurately determine an ectopic pregnancy in the early stages? A medical examination for an accurate diagnosis takes place in several stages.

1. Gynecological examination. The doctor should listen to the woman, paying special attention to her complaints, calculate the approximate gestational age, finding out the date of the last menstruation, and then examine the patient. The gynecologist will be alerted by spotting and severe pain during palpation of the abdomen.
2. Laboratory tests. If a woman is pregnant, her hCG levels rise. To make a diagnosis, it is necessary to observe hCG in dynamics. Normally, it doubles every 48 hours. With an ectopic and missed pregnancy, hCG will not grow so quickly, but in the first case, the fetal egg is not visualized in the uterine cavity on ultrasound, and in the second it is easy to detect.
3. ultrasound. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to determine where the fetal egg is located. To do this, a transvaginal ultrasound is performed for a period of 4-5 weeks from the moment of ovulation. This method is the most accurate compared to conventional ultrasound. Finding a gestational sac in the ovary, tube, or abdomen confirms an ectopic pregnancy. Indirect signs of pathology, detected by ultrasound, are an increase in the size of the ovaries, the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum and behind the uterus. The absence of a fetal egg in the uterus is an inaccurate sign of an ectopic pregnancy, in which case further studies are prescribed according to indications.
4. Puncture of the posterior fornix of the vagina (culdocentesis). If internal bleeding is suspected due to a rupture of the tube, women take a puncture from the Douglas space - a special area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe peritoneum located between the rectum and uterus. With the help of a long needle, the doctor takes the content from this area, piercing the posterior fornix of the vagina. The presence of blood with a large number of blood clots or a blood clot is a reliable sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
5. Laparoscopy. If using other methods it was not possible to determine the nature of the pregnancy, doctors prescribe laparoscopy in order to diagnose the pathology. To do this, under anesthesia, a small incision is made on the abdomen, an optical device is inserted into it, the peritoneal area is inflated with carbon dioxide and the cavity is examined, looking for a fetal egg. If it was found, then it is removed.

Treatment

All women with suspected ectopic pregnancy are delivered by an ambulance to the gynecological department, and with acute pain and bleeding - to the nearest surgical one.

A high level of hCG (more than 1500 IU / l) in combination with other symptoms indicates a progressive ectopic pregnancy. In this case, as well as in life-threatening situations (with internal bleeding, pain shock), a woman is directly shown surgical treatment. It can be radical (the fetal egg is removed with a fruit-bearing place) and organ-preserving.

An alternative to surgical intervention is the use of the drug "Methotrexate". In Russia, it is prescribed for the treatment of various tumors and autoimmune diseases, and the instructions do not describe dosages and methods of use in ectopic pregnancy. However, in other countries, the drug is actively used to remove the fetal egg from the tubes, ovaries and cervix, as well as the peritoneal cavity. Methotrexate has an embryotoxic effect, that is, it prevents the cell division of the embryo and destroys it for excretion in a natural way. The medicine is injected intravenously (the dosage is selected by the doctor), after which the level of hCG is monitored in dynamics. If methotrexate worked, then the hormone level should steadily decrease.

Non-surgical treatment is a good alternative that helps to maintain a woman's reproductive health. It can be used only at the earliest stages of the pathology, and it is rather difficult to detect it so early. Therefore, surgery is often the only way out in order to save the patient's life.

Forecast

Even if a woman has an ectopic pregnancy, she does not need to give up on herself. During surgery, as a rule, only one tube and the ovary are removed. These organs are paired, which means that ovulation and conception are possible with the help of the remaining intact ovary and tube. Removing both tubes will cause physiological infertility, but even in this case, if there is a uterus, IVF will come to the rescue.

A woman who has experienced an ectopic pregnancy should take care of herself for at least another six months (and preferably longer) and protect herself. The choice of contraceptive method should be left to the attending physician. There are many reasons for an ectopic pregnancy, and which of them provoked the improper attachment of the fetal egg is an open question. After the treatment of this pathology, you need to undergo additional examinations and find out for sure why it arose. Many women will have to study the patency of the fallopian tubes to exclude relapse.

Prevention

Every woman who does not want to meet with an ectopic pregnancy should know about the methods of preventing it. Prevention of pathology is reduced to the following set of measures:

• timely treatment of inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;
• planning pregnancy and conducting the necessary diagnostic examinations (including for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms);
• exclusion of abortions (reliable contraception during the period undesirable for pregnancy);
• high-quality rehabilitation after cases of ectopic pregnancy;
• maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding stress.

All these measures will help reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy and increase the chances of conception and the birth of a long-awaited baby without complications.

In today's article, we will talk about a pregnancy that, for some objective reason, develops outside the uterus, a container for a fertilized egg, specially designed for this.

Types of ectopic pregnancy

There are several main, most common, types of ectopic pregnancy:

A tubal pregnancy is a type of pregnancy when the fetal egg is attached to the walls of the fallopian, fallopian tubes;

Ovarian pregnancy - when fertilization and development of the fetal egg occurs directly in the ovary or on its surface;

Cervical - with this type of pregnancy, the zygote (fertilized egg) is attached to the cervix;

Abdominal pregnancy - in this case, the fetal egg is implanted directly in the abdominal cavity.

Let's take a closer look at the development of abdominal pregnancy.

Features of abdominal pregnancy

This is a fairly rare type of pregnancy, it occurs in only one woman out of a thousand. Abdominal pregnancy can be divided into two subspecies:

Primary abdominal pregnancy. In this case, the implantation of the zygote directly into the abdominal cavity is implied.

secondary pregnancy. This means that the fertilized cell is introduced into the abdominal cavity due to the termination of any other type of ectopic pregnancy. For example, with the development of the fetus in the fallopian tube until a certain period. If the fetus has reached such a size that a tube rupture has occurred, then it is very likely that the fetus will enter the abdominal cavity and continue to develop in it.

Just want to focus on the fact that any ectopic pregnancy is a direct threat to the health and life of a woman. Tubal or abdominal pregnancy on ultrasound is determined with great difficulty, even if the examination is carried out by experienced diagnosticians using the most modern equipment.

Diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy

Abdominal pregnancy, as mentioned above, can only be determined by a qualified specialist, however, there are some symptoms and signs by which one can understand that a pathological pregnancy is developing. Among these symptoms are the following:

In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman feels severe pain in the lower abdomen and notices spotting from the vagina.

When palpated in the abdominal cavity, characteristic seals and parts of the fetus are felt, while the uterus is palpated separately and of very small size;

Often, abdominal pregnancy is accompanied by an increase in temperature of unknown etymology.

When an abdominal pregnancy occurs, all the signs of a normal pregnancy are present (nausea, weakness, dizziness, intolerance to odors, morning vomiting), although the test does not show one.

As a rule, if the doctor has a suspicion of abdominal pregnancy, he carefully examines the woman on ultrasound. However, this modern method is not always able to identify the place where the fetal egg is attached in the abdominal cavity. If the ultrasound examination did not show any useful information, then the doctor has the right to prescribe a diagnosis using fluoroscopy, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

In conclusion, I would like to say that in cases of ectopic pregnancy, there is only one way out - surgery to terminate the pregnancy. Since, firstly, babies developing outside the uterus are not viable, and secondly, such a pregnancy poses a real threat to the life of the mother.

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Ectopic pregnancy is a very common complication. According to statistics, ectopic pregnancy is about 2% of all pregnancies, 98% of all ectopic pregnancies are tubal pregnancies.

In fact, an ectopic pregnancy cannot be called a complication, since it in itself is not a normal pregnancy, and poses a threat to the life of the mother. What is an ectopic pregnancy, how to recognize it and take action in time?

Classification of ectopic pregnancy

As we know, the onset of pregnancy is characterized by the fertilization of the egg by the sperm, and the subsequent release of the fetal egg into the uterine cavity, and then attaching it to the inner surface of the uterus. Fertilization of the egg occurs in the fallopian tube, and then the cell exits the tube into the uterus. This is how a normal pregnancy develops.

An ectopic pregnancy also begins as normal. The spermatozoon fertilizes the egg, but only subsequently, for some reason, the zygote cannot enter the uterine cavity. She has no choice but to gain a foothold in the pipe, in the same place where fertilization took place.

Ectopic pregnancy is divided into the following types:

- tubal pregnancy

- ovarian pregnancy

- cervical pregnancy

- abdominal pregnancy.

Ovarian pregnancy

An ovarian pregnancy is a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg does not develop in the uterine cavity, but in the ovary. An ovarian pregnancy can occur for two reasons:

1. The spermatozoon got into a follicle that had just burst during ovulation, from which the egg did not have time to leave. Fertilization occurs immediately, as well as the attachment of a fertilized egg, after which pregnancy develops in the ovary.

2. There is also another option for the development of pregnancy in the ovary. The egg is fertilized immediately after being released from the follicle, remains in the ovary and attaches there.

Pregnancy in the ovary can develop safely. There are cases when women carried babies until late pregnancy. All this happens because the tissue of the ovary is elastic. It is by this principle that the cyst grows in the ovary. Sometimes the size of the cyst can be impressive, and the reason for this is the peculiarity of the ovarian tissue, which tends not only to stretch, but also to grow.

It is not always possible to diagnose an ovarian pregnancy. Very often it is mistaken for an ovarian cyst that needs to be operated on. It is most often possible to recognize pregnancy only during the operation, and sometimes only with a histological examination of the removed tissue after the surgical intervention. In addition, ovarian pregnancy is extremely rare.

cervical pregnancy

In cervical pregnancy, the fetus does not develop in the uterus, but “slips” down from the uterine cavity, and is fixed in the cervix. Why is this happening? It is generally accepted that structural and pathological changes in the inner surface of the uterus can prevent normal uterine implantation. For example, extensive endometriosis. In this case, the embryo has no choice but to continue searching for a suitable place for implantation, and sometimes it turns out to be the cervix.

Cervical pregnancy is extremely dangerous for a woman. This type of pregnancy, along with tubal ectopic pregnancy, has a high percentage of deaths, up to about 50% of all cases.

During pregnancy in the cervix, the survival of the embryo is practically zero, the fetus cannot be full-term until late. The maximum period until which the fetus can develop during cervical pregnancy is 5 months, after which the tissues of the cervix can no longer stretch. Then there is a spontaneous abortion, accompanied by profuse bleeding.

The only possible solution for cervical pregnancy is surgery, in which it is necessary to remove the uterus, followed by a blood transfusion of the patient.

It is possible to diagnose cervical pregnancy by several signs: there are signs of pregnancy, there is a pronounced deformation of the cervix, and the uterus itself does not correspond to the gestational age due to its small size.

Abdominal pregnancy

Abdominal pregnancy is a very unusual type of ectopic pregnancy that may seem like something out of the realm of fantasy. During abdominal pregnancy, the fetus does not develop in the uterus, but outside the internal genital organs, that is, in the abdominal cavity. Abdominal pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg is released into the abdominal cavity. The most common reason for this is the so-called tubal abortion, when the egg, fertilized inside the tube, is thrown out into the abdominal cavity. When this happens, everything now depends on where exactly the fertilized egg will attach. If it attaches in a place where the blood supply is insufficient, the fetus will quickly die. If attachment occurs in a good place, then the fetus has every chance of successful development.

Abdominal pregnancy has its risks. Since the baby is not in the uterus, but directly inside the woman's abdomen, it is not so well protected. In addition, as the child grows, the internal organs of the woman may be damaged. Naturally, a woman cannot give birth to a child during abdominal pregnancy on her own. Therefore, she is shown a cerebrosection. In abdominal pregnancy, fetal developmental anomalies, chronic intrauterine hypoxia due to insufficient blood supply and oxygen supply, and fetal death are at high risk.

Abdominal pregnancy is often difficult to detect, as all signs of pregnancy are present, as in a normal pregnancy. If the doctor conducts an ultrasound examination, then an experienced ultrasound specialist may notice that the fetus is not surrounded by the uterus, and the uterus itself is slightly enlarged and does not correspond to the gestational age. When palpated at a sufficient gestational age, the doctor can determine that the fetus is palpable in the abdominal cavity.

If the diagnosis is incorrect, the doctor takes the non-enlarged uterus for a fibroid, a uterine tumor, or even for a second fetus. However, there is a chance of having a healthy baby with an abdominal pregnancy. However, this type of pregnancy is very dangerous for the mother.

tubal pregnancy

The most common of all ectopic pregnancies is tubal pregnancy. Such a pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg remains in the fallopian tube and does not enter the uterine cavity. It also happens that the fetal egg has already entered the uterus, but is somehow thrown back into the tube. If the egg remains in the tube and becomes fixed there, then a tubal ectopic pregnancy will occur. If a tubal abortion occurs, then the egg can be fixed outside the woman's genitals, and then there is an abdominal pregnancy, which we talked about above.

Tubal pregnancy is very dangerous for a woman for several reasons:

1. Difficulty in diagnosis. An ectopic pregnancy is very difficult to diagnose, and tubal rupture occurs early in pregnancy, up to about 9 weeks.

2. Massive bleeding and hemorrhagic shock. With an accomplished rupture of the tube, if pregnancy is not diagnosed, massive blood loss occurs. If medical care was not provided on time, then the woman risks dying from hemorrhagic shock.

It is difficult to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, because in the early stages the embryo is still very small, and it is not always possible to see it on ultrasound. If the gestational age allows you to consider the fetus, then the signs of an ectopic pregnancy can be: the absence of a fetal egg in the uterine cavity, as well as a thickening in the fallopian tube.

How to determine an ectopic pregnancy itself?

It is impossible to determine an ectopic pregnancy on your own, moreover, in case of any suspicion, you should consult a doctor, and not self-medicate. However, you can look out for warning signs.

For example, you may be bothered by pain in the lower abdomen in a certain place, on the right or left. There may be scanty spotting, pinkish, or in the form of a "daub", despite the fact that pregnancy is established. Also, a weak second strip on the test can serve as an indirect sign of an ectopic pregnancy. This happens because fixing the ovum outside the uterine cavity does not allow it to develop correctly, and the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) does not increase correctly. During a normal pregnancy, hCG doubles every day.

If a tube rupture occurs, then the clinical picture is stormy: there is a sharp, acute pain in the fallopian tube, nausea, the patient may lose consciousness. There are physical signs of internal bleeding: pallor of the skin, cyanosis of the lips, sweating, a symptom of peritoneal irritation - soreness, abdominal tension.

With massive blood loss, a woman loses consciousness and dies without coming into it, from hemorrhagic shock, if medical assistance was not provided on time.

What to do if the pipe burst?

First of all, you must immediately call the hospital. Lie down on a sofa or bed, you can put ice on your stomach, and in no case - a heating pad and other warming devices. Don't use anything if you're not sure what you're doing. Don't drink anything, don't take medicine. When the ambulance arrives, demand to be taken to the ambulance on a stretcher, do not try to walk on your own.

How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?

When a pipe breaks, an operation is necessary to remove it, since when the tissue of the pipe is broken, it turns out to be crushed, and their recovery is impossible. If an ectopic pregnancy is detected in advance, then the tube can be saved.

The operation, in which you can get rid of the fetal egg, and at the same time save the pipe, is called laparoscopy. With the help of laparoscopy, it is possible to “suck out” the fetal egg, by analogy with a vacuum abortion, without damaging the tube. This is a very important point, because the preservation of the tube is necessary for subsequent pregnancies. If the tube is removed, then the chance of getting pregnant is only 50%, because the egg will now mature in only one tube.

With the help of laparoscopy, operations are also performed to remove the fallopian tube. Such an operation is much more gentle than an open operation. The laparoscope is equipped with a miniature video camera, so the doctor sees everything that he operates on. Laparoscopic surgery significantly reduces the risk of bleeding, as well as the formation of adhesions after surgery.

Causes of ectopic pregnancy: where is the risk?

No one can say for sure why an ectopic pregnancy occurs, but here we list the main risk factors that theoretically can affect its development:

- Oral contraceptives. It is believed that synthetic hormones can affect the condition of the female genital organs.

- Surgical interventions and operations on the abdominal cavity.

- Adhesions in the fallopian tubes.

- Scars on the inner surface of the uterus from curettage and previous abortions.

- Inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, inflammation of the appendages.

- Anomalies in the development and structure of the uterus.

- Pathologies of the function of the fallopian tubes, in which the promotion of the egg inside the tube can be impaired.

- Hormonal disorders and failures.

If you have found an ectopic pregnancy, then the operation must be done in any case. Get ready for it, listen to all the doctor's advice, and don't be afraid - in the future you have a good chance to get pregnant again.