By Dr. Isabel Herrera (Licensed Physician No. 030310741).
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants and begins to develop outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes (tubal pregnancy), although it can also occur in other areas, such as the cervix, ovaries or abdominal cavity.
The problem is that this type of pregnancy cannot develop because the implantation site is not designed to support and nurture a growing embryo. It is therefore incompatible with the birth of a baby.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when something prevents the egg from reaching the uterus, leading to its implantation in an abnormal place. This situation can be caused by, for example:
The most common symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are:
Other women may experience more severe symptoms, especially when the fallopian tube ruptures. In these cases, there may be severe, sharp pain, dizziness or fainting, heavy vaginal bleeding, and even paleness, weakness or excessive sweating.
Ectopic pregnancy can be detected early through a series of tests carried out in the consultation room.
These tests include transvaginal ultrasound, which will allow us to visualise where the pregnancy is located; a blood test to measure the beta-hCG hormone and in cases where the diagnosis is not clear, a laparoscopy will be performed to directly observe the affected area.
Tissue outside the uterus is not designed to support the development of an embryo. Therefore, if left untreated, it can cause a rupture of the fallopian tubes, severe internal bleeding and even put the life of the pregnant woman at risk.
In this sense, it must be clear that there is no chance of this pregnancy reaching a viable delivery, even if left untreated. This is clearly an emotionally difficult experience, as many people may feel sadness and confusion after such a diagnosis. It is therefore key to seek support from family and friends as well as professionals, if necessary.
Treatment of an ectopic pregnancy will depend on where it is located, the week in which it is detected and whether it has caused complications such as rupture of the fallopian tubes.
Usually, when detected in the early stages, treatment is with methotrexate, a drug that stops the growth of the ectopic pregnancy and allows the body to reabsorb it. It is administered by injection and requires follow-up blood tests to check for a decrease in hCG hormone. It is usually expelled in 4-6 weeks, depending on initial hCG levels and response to the medication.
In more severe cases (when there is tubal rupture and internal bleeding), surgery with laparoscopy or laparotomy will be necessary to terminate the pregnancy and avoid further complications.
Recovery after an ectopic pregnancy depends on the treatment received. If medication was used, the body will reabsorb the pregnancy tissue in a few weeks, and hormone levels should be monitored until they reach zero.
In case of surgery, physical recovery takes between 1 and 6 weeks, depending on the type of procedure. During this time, it is important to avoid sexual intercourse, strenuous exercise or heavy lifting, and to follow medical recommendationsto prevent infection or complications. In addition, rest and light activity are key to a gradual recovery.
Yes. An ectopic pregnancy can be potentially dangerous if it is not diagnosed and treated in time.
Because the embryo implants outside the uterus, the tissue where it develops is not designed to support its growth. If the pregnancy progresses, the fallopian tube may rupture, causing severe internal bleeding that requires urgent treatment.
When detected early, treatment is usually safe and effective, significantly reducing the risks to the woman’s health.
In most cases, yes. Many women are able to achieve a normal pregnancy after having had an ectopic pregnancy. Future fertility will depend on factors such as the condition of the fallopian tubes, the cause of the ectopic pregnancy and the type of treatment received, whether medical or surgical.
Even if one fallopian tube has had to be removed, natural pregnancy is still possible if the other tube is functioning properly. In cases where additional risk factors are present, assisted reproduction techniques may be considered to increase the chances of success.
Having had an ectopic pregnancy slightly increases the risk of it happening again. In general, the risk of recurrence is approximately between 10% and 20%, depending on the underlying cause and the condition of the fallopian tubes.
For this reason, in future pregnancies, early monitoring with beta-hCG blood tests and transvaginal ultrasound is recommended to confirm that the pregnancy has implanted correctly inside the uterus.
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