A tubal pregnancy is one of a kind. It is a pregnancy complication. And, some women are unlucky to have this kind of pregnancy. What is it? Let’s get to know about it better.
Being pregnant is one of the happiest moments a woman experiences in her life. But for some women, it may turn out to be a really tough time.
What is tubal pregnancy?
The normal pregnancy process is well known and understood. To be explained briefly, after conception, the egg meets the sperm. The fertilized egg now moves towards the uterus to get implanted. Slowly the nourishment is provided and the foetus develops inside the womb.
Approximately 9 months time period is required for letting a new life enter this world physically. But, it is to be noted that pregnancy varies from woman to woman. Each woman has a distinct pregnancy. She may experience something which is not experienced by others.
When the fertilised egg gets implanted in any other region except the uterus, it is termed as ectopic pregnancy. The egg may get implanted rarely at cervix, belly or inside the ovary. But, the common form is implantation at the fallopian tube.
According to the data collected, about 90% of the ectopic pregnancies occur at the fallopian tube. Hence, the term “ectopic” pregnancy is synonymous with the term “tubal” pregnancy.
Tubal pregnancy symptoms
The symptoms at the initial stage are the same as in normal pregnancy.
In tubal pregnancy, a woman may experience the following:
- Missed menstrual cycle
- Rise in HCG levels
- Fatigue and restlessness
- Morning sickness
- Abdominal cramps
- Food cravings
- Sensitivity to smell
You may not realize your tubal pregnancy until some specific symptoms arise. At the later stages, tubal pregnancy displays serious symptoms which are fatal to the woman’s health.
- Extreme abdominal pain and discomfort
- The pain may begin from one side, and then spread throughout the lower abdomen.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Tender cervix
- Fast heart rate and fainting
- Sudden shock (very rare)
Keep note that these symptoms do not arise together. You may experience one of these or a two.
These symptoms are life threatening that the survival of the foetus is made difficult.
Tubal pregnancy pain
The tubal pregnancy pain is unbearable and immense. It is accompanied with fast heart rate and fainting. The whole body may shiver and get numb. Even a sudden shock can be observed. It may last as long as the whole day.
Continuous pain may result into extensive bleeding. If such a thing happens, we suggest, rush to the hospital. Call the emergency ambulance number.
Causes of tubal pregnancy
Tubal pregnancy is caused by the inability of the fertilised egg to pass the fallopian tube and enter the uterus. This may occur due to the rupture of the fallopian tube, which resists the fertilised egg to pass. Smoking and intake of tobacco also leads to the tubal pregnancy.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis and other fallopian tube related issues signify the chances of you having the tubal pregnancy. Exposure to DES is also a well known cause of this.
If you have undergone some fertility treatment or a surgical operation of the fallopian tube, then you are likely to end up with tubal pregnancy. And, if you already had an ectopic pregnancy before, then your chances double up of having a tubal pregnancy this time.
Pregnancy after tubal Pregnancy
After having the first pregnancy tubal, women get scared for the second pregnancy. And your fear is completely right on its place. Often the pregnancy after tubal is not normal. The chances of having another tubal pregnancy double up. The fallopian tube gets more damaged after the first tubal pregnancy. The recovery is very hard, thus the pregnancy finds hard to exist.
Tubal pregnancy surgery
As you know each body part has its own function, the uterus is made suitable for the implantation and the fallopian tube provides the passage. The lining of the fallopian tube is not capable of holding and nourishing the embryo. Hence, in tubal pregnancy, the fallopian tube is the site of implantation, which gets damaged.
The foetus is never developed in such a pregnancy. The egg keeps growing rupturing the tube and causes extensive bleeding. Quick treatment is needed to tackle the problem before it puts your life in the jaws of death.
It cannot be stopped, but definitely can be prevented. Early diagnosis is necessary for early treatment.
Surgery turns out to be the most favourable option to deal with the tubal pregnancy. The implanted egg or the ectopic growth can be surgically removed at the suitable time. When the bleeding occurs, surgery becomes the only option.
Surgical therapy may be provided either via open laparotomy or through laparoscopic route. Doctors usually go with laparoscopic approach, but may go with the laparotomy when the surgeons are not well trained in the former or the patients cannot be operated upon.
Either you are pregnant or if thinking of getting pregnant then you should definitely read our article on Pregnancy week by week which will enhance your knowledge about symptoms you experience from first to 36 week.
Tubal pregnancy removal
Fallopian tubes get removed after the treatment usually. Sometimes, both the tubes get removed. This is done as there has been no chance of normal pregnancy after the tubal one. The only pregnancy which can take place is through the in vitro fertilisation.
IVF pregnancies have been noted to gain majority and success as the women who have their fallopian tubes removed or damaged pursue this method. And, it definitely brings success!
Ruptured tubal pregnancy
Emergency time comes when the fallopian tube ruptures! And the blood stream goes on to flow. The fallopian tube may get ruptured or torn or may burst open due to extreme pressure.
Tubal pregnancy is a life threatening experience at this moment. This definitely needs an urgent treatment. Take the diagnosis test and get the HCG levels in your body measured.
Tubal pregnancy treatment
Abdominal surgery is usually preferred in tubal pregnancy. There are chances of removing the whole fallopian tube. If the tube has undergone less damage, then it does not need removal. The outgrowth is, however, removed. The tube still functions after this.
The extreme bleeding has resulted into the huge blood loss from the body. Blood transfusions need to be done now!
Keep under medical surveillance. Recover yourself. It’s okay and just stay forward!
Things will soon turn good!
Either if you pregnant or even thinking about pregnancy, you must shift your focus towards a healthy pregnancy diet. You should definitely read this article about “Best Healthy Pregnancy Diet Plan & Diet Chart With Tips”.
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