With approximately 2% of pregnancies in Australia being an ectopic pregnancy, it’s important to know about this condition. Whilst it is personally upsetting when ectopic pregnancies occur, the more positive news is that their incidence has decreased since the 1990s*.
Whether you’re trying to conceive, are pregnant or care for somebody who has suffered one, this article shares what you need to know and the important signs to keep watch for.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
Unlike traditional conceptions, a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. Unlike a normal pregnancy, ectopic pregnancies cannot proceed to term because the embryo can’t survive outside the uterus.
In Australia, about 1 in every 90 pregnancies is ectopic, making it a relatively common condition that requires urgent medical attention.
Unfortunately, there is no way to save ectopic pregnancies. Treatment typically involves either medication to stop the pregnancy from progressing or surgery to remove the affected tissue, depending on how early it’s detected. Although these can be emotionally and physically challenging, most women who experience one go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future.
What causes an ectopic pregnancy?
The most common cause is damaged fallopian tubes. This can make it difficult for the egg to pass through the fallopian tube to the uterus.
Factors that can increase the risk of this condition are:
- scar tissue from endometriosis
- pelvic inflammatory disease, where an infection spreads from the vagina to the fallopian tubes
- reversal of a tubal sterilisation
- getting pregnant using fertility treatments
- damage to the fallopian tube caused by surgery or a ruptured appendix.
- a previous ectopic pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy
The most frequent early signs include sharp abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and shoulder tip pain, though symptoms can sometimes be subtle or mistaken for a typical early pregnancy. If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can lead to severe complications, including internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
Most symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy occur between the 4th and 10th week of pregnancy.
What to do if you think you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy
If you might be pregnant and have any of the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, it is essential to seek medical help immediately.
Untreated, as the egg continues to grow, it can rupture the fallopian tube and cause heavy bleeding. This is a medical emergency that can be deadly.
To diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, your doctor will perform an ultrasound scan and a pregnancy test.
Treating ectopic pregnancy
Around 15 per cent of cases of ectopic pregnancy are diagnosed in the emergency room after the fallopian tube has ruptured. Sadly, there is no way to save an ectopic pregnancy. When presenting to the hospital with a suspected ectopic pregnancy a doctor will likely do:
- a pregnancy test
- a blood test to check the pregnancy hormone level because low levels suggest a problem such as ectopic pregnancy
- a pelvic exam to check where the pain is
- an ultrasound to see where the egg is located.
An ectopic pregnancy is irreversible and will never become a normal pregnancy. Immediate treatment will minimise medical impacts to the fallopian tube.
If the pregnancy is detected in the first few weeks and before the fallopian tube is damaged, medicine will be used to end the pregnancy. Should the mother be more than a few weeks gestation, surgery is required.
Getting pregnant again
Losing a pregnancy is incredibly hard. It’s okay to grieve and seek support if needed.
The good news is that the odds after this experience remain in your favour. According to the Ectopic Trust, the chances of having a future successful pregnancy are very good, and 65% of women are healthily pregnant within 18 months of an ectopic pregnancy. Some studies suggest this figure rises to around 85% over 2 years. Your chance of conceiving depends very much on the health of your tubes.
If you have suffered this condition, it is important to let your doctors know. Regular testing during future pregnancies can detect a problem early or reassure you that the pregnancy is normal.
Understanding the symptoms and seeking medical help early is vital in managing ectopic pregnancies safely, as timely treatment can prevent complications and ensure the best outcome for the mother’s health.
*Ectopic Pregnancy Statistics: myVMC.
