What is ectopic pregnancy and why is it produced

The ectopic pregnancy, also know as extrauterine, is the one in which the embryo is outside the uterus. In a classic gestation, the ovule, once fertilized, descends through the fallopian tubes to the uterus, where it is implanted to begin to develop. However, in the case of extrauterine pregnancy, the fertilized ovum is located in the fallopian tubes.

Throughout history there have been some cases of babies who have been born healthy from an ectopic pregnancy, but they are very rare cases. In more than 85% of cases, this type of pregnancy is not viable and pregnancy is lost during the first trimester.

The extrauterine pregnancy, if not detected in time, can pose a great danger to the mother because, as the embryo grows, the fallopian tube is more likely to rupture.

Risk factors of suffering an ectopic pregnancy

Age is one of the main risk factors to suffer a pregnancy of this type. More than 70% of extra-uterine pregnancies occur in women between 35 and 44 years.

Another risk factor is using an IUD as a contraceptive method. The chances of getting pregnant with an IUD are only 2%; but, in many cases in which a pregnancy has occurred, it has been ectopic.

Smoking also dramatically increases the odds of having an extrauterine pregnancy. It is estimated that women smokers are 50% more likely to suffer it.

Although there is no study that demonstrates this in a reliable way, some experts point out that abusing the pill the day after is also a great risk factor for an ectopic pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of an extrauterine pregnancy?

It is worth bearing in mind that many of the symptoms that are related to an ectopic pregnancy are very similar to a classic gestation: fatigue, tiredness, nausea ... Only 45% of women have some warning signs that make them see that something It's not good.

A point to assess for extrauterine pregnancy is that in the vast majority of cases the pregnancy test is positive since they increase HCG levels, but it is really a false positive.

These are some of the warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy:

Pain: One of the main symptoms of this type of pregnancy is a very intense and lasting pain in the lower area of the abdomen; It usually occurs on one side. In addition, this pain intensifies when urinating or making any kind of sudden movement.
Vaginal bleeding: Another of the warning signs is a pale brown vaginal discharge. Of course, this can also occur in a classic pregnancy; the one known as implantation bleeding.
Weakness: Many pregnant women point out that one of their main and first symptoms is fatigue and fatigue. However, in the case of suffering an ectopic pregnancy, the weakness is much more intense. Also, if the tube ruptures, dizziness may occur.
Straight: Another warning sign of an extrauterine pregnancy is to feel great pressure in the rectum.
Back pain: Another common symptom in this type of pregnancy is to feel a pain in the lower back, very similar to lumbago. However, this is not one of the first warning signs that are given; rather, it usually appears as the extrauterine pregnancy progresses.

It is estimated that in Spain about 2% of pregnancies are ectopic, so their incidence is not very high. The truth is that it can happen to any woman, although there is a greater probability in certain situations, such as the risk factors that have been pointed out.

The most important thing is that, at the slightest sign of warning that the pregnancy is not going well, contact the doctor to find a solution; unfortunately, the only possible is to end the pregnancy. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesAbortion