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Ectopic Pregnancy - How does it occur?

Ectopic pregnancy refers to a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg attaches itself outside the uterus. The most common location for an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tubes. At the time of ovulation, an egg is released from the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tube. When the sperm enters the uterus it travels up the fallopian tube and fertilizes the egg. The fertilized egg then moves down into the uterus and attaches itself to the uterine wall.

However, in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg gets attached to the Fallopian tube itself. As the Fallopian tubes are not meant for the growth of the fetus, this is a high-risk pregnancy and must be treated at the earliest. An ectopic pregnancy occurs within the first few weeks of pregnancy, during which the patient may not be aware of the pregnancy and may not present any symptoms. In most cases though, it is usually indicated by severe pain in the abdomen or pelvic region, vaginal bleeding that is heavier than period flow, weakness, dizziness among st other symptoms.

So what causes an ectopic pregnancy? The reasons may include inflammation of the fallopian tube, abnormal growths, a birth defect that causes abnormality in the tubal shape or previous surgical procedures on the fallopian tubes or pelvic areas. Diagnostic procedures include tests to indicate hCG levels, a physical inspection of the abdomen and pelvis and an ultrasound that determines if the fetus is located in the uterus.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs in 1 out of 50 pregnancies and once the symptoms present it is imperative to undergo treatment immediately as the Fallopian tube may stretch and rupture as the fetus grows and would then require emergency surgery or removal of the fallopian tube, which could further reduce the chances of another pregnancy.