Ectopic Pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg implants out side the uterus. The most common site of ectopic pregnancy is situated in the fallopian tube, (tubal pregnancy) there are also other cases when a fertilized ovum implants just above the ovaries. The fallopian tube and ovaries are not designed to hold the weight of a growing fetus, so after about eight to ten weeks a sharp pain is felt either on the left or right of the lower quadrant of abdomen.
Ectopic pregnancy may be due to the following condition:
1. Infection and inflammation of the fallopian tube such as when a pregnant woman is suffering from Pelvic Inflammatory Disease where in the passage canal of the fertilized ovum to the uterus is blocked.
2. Scar from fallopian tube or ovary which is also due to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. An operation to the tube canal may also block the passage canal of an ovum in travelling to the uterus.
3. Previous history of surgery in the pelvic area that can lead to obstruction of the ovum. Thus the ovum cannot travel down to the uterus for implantation.
4. An abnormal shape of the fallopian tube will also hinder the ovum in travelling down to the uterus for implantation. But there are cases when the ovum passes to this abnormal shape and an implant in the uterus, but the consequence is that, the fetus may develop an abnormal physical defect.
The following are most susceptible in having ectopic pregnancy.
• Women who are between 34 to 45 years of age.
• Women who have had ectopic pregnancy before
• Women who has previous pelvic and abdominal surgery
• Women who suffered from Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Women who have multiple induced abortions
• Women who have gets pregnant after having a tubal ligations
• Women who uses IUD
How would you know if you are suffering from ectopic pregnancy? The following symptoms will help you recognize if you have ectopic pregnancy.
• On and off sharp pain. The pain usually begins at the pelvis then it radiates to the lower abdomen.
• Vaginal bleeding.
• Dizziness and fainting
Once you experience this symptoms, do not hesitate to consult your Doctor right away.