Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a common condition that affects more women that perhaps first thought. At Peek A Baby, we understand that this is a very real pregnancy complication for some women. This is why we offer our early reassurance scans, helping you to find peace of mind in the early stages of your pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy is a common condition that can affect around 1 in 90 pregnancies according to the NHS. In some cases, it may lead to serious health complications if not treated promptly. Understanding what it means and recognising the signs early can help to ensure the best care possible. But what is ectopic pregnancy?
Simply, this means that the pregnancy is out of place. When this occurs, a fertilised egg has implanted in one of the fallopian tubes, or a cavity outside of the womb. This can mean that sadly the pregnancy is not viable, so proper treatment and termination may be recommended to avoid a life threatening medical situation. While receiving this diagnosis can be distressing, medical care is available through the NHS to manage the condition and protect your well-being.
What Happens in an Ectopic Pregnancy?
When ovulation has occurred each month, an egg is produced and released, making its way along the fallopian tubes towards the uterus. When an egg encountered sperm, it may then become fertilised. Once eggs reach the uterus, they typically implant themselves in the lining of the womb, growing into a baby.
If fertilisation has happened in the fallopian tubes, and this fertilised egg has then become stuck, this can result in pregnancy continuing to grow outside of the womb. If this happens, it can result in a burst or severally damaged fallopian tube that in turn can lead to internal bleeding and pain. If these symptoms occur, medical attention is required immediately.
Sadly, when a pregnancy is ectopic, it cannot continue successfully and would need to be removed via medication or operation.
At Peek A Baby, we understand that the early signs of pregnancy can lead to anticipation. This is why we offer an early pregnancy reassurance scan from just 6 weeks to help women find peace of mind in the early stages of their pregnancy. During this scan, if a pregnancy is ectopic, we would be able to inform you in order to seek further advise and support from your GP.
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Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy doesn’t necessarily cause symptoms. Often, they are picked up during a pregnancy scan; however, if you do struggle with symptoms, these can develop between 4 and 12 weeks of pregnancy usually.
Alongside the signs of early pregnancy, there are a few other symptoms that may be indicators of an ectopic pregnancy:
Low tummy pain on one side
Pain in the tip of your shoulder
Discomfort when going to the toilet
Vaginal bleeding or brown, watery discharge.
It is key to understand that these symptoms may be an indication of other conditions, such as stomach bugs and do not always mean that a pregnancy is ectopic, but if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a pregnancy scan can help give peace of mind about your pregnancy.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, or those of early pregnancy, book an early pregnancy reassurance scan with your local Peek A Baby clinic today. From as early as 6 weeks of pregnancy you can see your baby as they begin to grow and develop.
Coping with Ectopic Pregnancy
Unfortunately, across the UK each year, around 11,000 pregnancies are ectopic. This can be difficult to process and cope with for many women hoping for a successful pregnancy.
If your pregnancy is ectopic, it can be challenging, but it is vital to take time to seek support from your loved ones and miscarriage professionals. Support groups can be found through:
Book Your Early Pregnancy Scan
At Peek A Baby, we know that positive pregnancy test results can bring about feelings of excitement and joy for expecting mothers. Our early pregnancy reassurance scan from 6 weeks onwards has been designed to give you reassurance from these very early stages. If you are looking to seek peace of mind about your pregnancy, find your local Peek A Baby clinic today and book with us online for your early pregnancy scan.
During this scan, if our professional sonographers find any indication of ectopic pregnancy, blighted ovum or any other concerns, you will be advised to seek further support and advice from your GP.
Ectopic Pregnancy FAQs
Although ectopic pregnancy has no specific cause, there are factors that may increase changes of an ectopic pregnancy such as previous ectopic pregnancies, endometriosis, the use of fertility treatments or smoking.
An ectopic pregnancy can be diagnosed using an ultrasound scan, physical examination or a blood test to monitor your hormone levels.
Peek A Baby offer an early pregnancy reassurance scan and beta HCG early pregnancy test blood tests to aid in the detection of successful early pregnancies.
If you have been diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, your GP can advise you on the treatments for this in order to prevent life threatening conditions developing. Typically, they may advise medication or surgical treatment options.
Yes! Many women successfully go on to have normal pregnancies after an ectopic pregnancy.
We recommend that if you have had an ectopic pregnancy that you seek early reassurance in future pregnancies due to a slightly higher risk.
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