Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is the condition in which the ovum implants in area other than the endometrial lining of the uterus. This pregnancy is not commonly successful since the areas outside of the uterus cannot sustain for a full-term pregnancy. It’s studied that it usually happens when there is a tubal blockage that prevents the fertilized ovum from passing through the fallopian tubes.

Ectopic pregnancy can be happened at abdominal, tubal, myometrial or cervical.

Ectopic pregnancy at abdomen:
The abdomen is usually unable to sustain for embryo growth

Ectopic pregnancy at tubal:
This is the most common site of ectopic pregnancy. It can causes mother at risk for tubal rupture that can be a life threatening condition.

Ectopic pregnancy at myometrial:
We cannot recognize it until delivery that usually requires a hysterectomy to stop bleeding. Sometime it is called as placenta accrete.

Ectopic pregnancy at cervical:
It has relation with placenta previa

Precipitating Factors:

1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
2. Previous tubal surgery or tubal pregnancy
3. Endometriosis, and
4. Congenital anomalies of the fallopian tubes

Sign and Symptoms:

1. Sharp one-sided pain
2. Tenderness of adnexal, area over ovary and tube
3. Vaginal bleeding (may or may not seen)
4. Hard and rigid abdomen and signs of circulatory collapse when tubal is ruptured.

How to care patient with ectopic pregnancy:

• Provide emotional support for whom undergoing surgical or medical treatment
• Provide emergency resuscitation and emergency surgery
• Teach mother about pre and post operative self care
• Consider to refer mother to a Fetal Demise Support Group