Pregnancy for a woman does not always end happily, a lot depends on where exactly the fertilized egg can attach. If it is in the uterus, then everything is fine, but its attachment and development outside the uterine cavity (in the tubes, on the ovaries, in the abdominal cavity), called an ectopic pregnancy, can lead to rupture of the fallopian tube and peritonitis.
Causes
Almost always, an ectopic pregnancy occurs after an inflammatory disease in the pelvis or infection of the genitourinary system. Inflammation leads to the formation of scarring in the abdominal cavity and lumen of the fallopian tubes. That is how most abortions, difficult births and genital infections end.
Another reason for ectopic pregnancy is infantilism, which is manifested by the underdevelopment of all departments of the female reproductive system. The fallopian tubes look elongated, sinuous and narrow. Their contractility is weak.
All these factors make it difficult for the fertilized egg to move to the uterus, where it normally should attach. Lingering in the tube or not getting into it at all, it begins to develop outside the uterus. Over time, the ovum ceases to fit in such a small space as the fallopian tube and its rupture occurs. This can happen as early as 4-6 weeks of gestation.
Symptoms
Blood falling into the abdominal cavity provokes the appearance of cramping pains in the lower abdomen, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
Bleeding is not a constant sign of an ectopic pregnancy. It is also possible that the wall of the fetal egg will break, and not the tube. Then it, once in the abdominal cavity, can cause mild pain, nausea and spotting vaginal discharge. The scarcity of clinical symptoms and their short duration leads to the development of purulent peritonitis, which occurs with fever, blurred consciousness, nausea, and vomiting.
Diagnostics
Unfortunately, the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy is not carried out on time, because there are no signs that could clearly indicate it. Most women who find symptoms such as menstruation delay, swelling of the mammary glands and nausea do not go to a antenatal clinic, believing that this is a normal pregnancy.
Often an ectopic pregnancy, the diagnosis of which was not performed on time, makes itself felt sharply, without precursors. However, it is possible to prevent such a catastrophe, it is enough to contact the antenatal clinic in the first week of the delay of menstruation.
Diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy is an ultrasound of the uterus. With the help of modern devices, you can see the fetal egg at the very beginning of pregnancy and determine whether it is in the uterus or beyond.
Also, the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy can be carried out according to the level of hCG (a hormone that is in the blood only during pregnancy). If the pregnancy is an ectopic pregnancy, then the level of hCG is sharply reduced in comparison with a normal pregnancy on equal terms.
Treatment
Diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy should be carried out at the earliest possible dates, since the volume of surgical intervention depends on this. So, if there is no rupture of the pipe, then you can get by with a laparoscopic operation, when the manipulations are carried out through small punctures in the abdominal wall. In this case, the fallopian tubes are preserved.
With a rupture of the tube and peritonitis, it will already be necessary to carry out a laparotomy (incision of the abdominal wall), and remove the fallopian tube.
It is necessary to take care of your health, because a timely visit to a antenatal clinic can prevent the development of serious complications and even death.