What is an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the implantation of the embryo happens outside of the uterus. The embryo may implant in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or in areas of the uterus unsuitable for sustaining life, such as the cervix. It usually happens due to something obstructing the passage of the fertilized egg and preventing it from reaching the uterus, causing it to implant in incompatible areas.

A recurring concern among women who have had an ectopic pregnancy is whether they will be able to have a baby after going through this situation, and the answer is yes, around 40% of women become pregnant after having an ectopic pregnancy. However, to achieve this, it is very important that you know exactly what this condition consists of and why it occurred in your body.

Process for a pregnancy to occur

The process involves the participation of various parts of the female reproductive system:

• The ovaries: are responsible for providing a mature egg, which must make its way to meet with the sperm and be fertilized.

• The fallopian tubes: a conduit through which the egg and sperm will be transported to meet and give way to a new life. The fallopian tubes are very important because this is where fertilization occurs.

Once the gametes (sperm and egg) have met, an embryo will form that will implant in the uterus for development until it becomes a baby.

Any anomaly in the fallopian tubes that prevents the embryo from passing through to implant in the uterus can cause an ectopic pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?

Some of the early symptoms that can occur with an ectopic pregnancy are:

• Cramping and extreme sensitivity in the lower abdomen, especially on one side. The pain may worsen when having a bowel movement or coughing. If the fallopian tube ruptures, the pain would be severe and constant for a brief period and spread throughout the pelvic area.
• Vaginal bleeding that is brownish in color or light bleeding for several days or weeks, even before the pain, although these bleeds may not occur if the tube has not ruptured.
• If the fallopian tube ruptures, in addition to pain, there will be intense bleeding.
• A high percentage of women with ectopic pregnancy experience nausea and dizziness, although this symptom is difficult to distinguish from morning sickness.
• If the tube ruptures, a rapid and weak pulse, as well as cold and clammy skin, are also common.

As the ectopic pregnancy progresses, it can cause the rupture of one of the fallopian tubes, with symptoms such as:

• Feeling faint
• Severe lower abdominal pain or even in the shoulders and neck
• Intense pressure in the rectum
• Dark vaginal bleeding
• Anemia

It is important to note that ectopic pregnancies do not come to a successful end, and any of the symptoms described above are risky for the mother. If you or someone you know has had an ectopic pregnancy and wishes to have a baby, they should know that safe alternatives exist to achieve it.

To access these alternatives, it is important to go to a reputable fertility clinic where doctors, biologists, nurses, and psychotherapists specializing in assisted reproduction will attend to your case and work with you to find the best treatment option to have a baby without any problems.

Which people are prone to having an ectopic pregnancy?

Various medical problems and conditions are associated with ectopic pregnancy, including:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Endometriosis
• Tubal ligation
• Congenital abnormalities in the fallopian tubes
• Pelvic adhesions
• Smokers
• Similarly, this pregnancy complication is much more common among women aged 35 to 44

How can I have a baby after an ectopic pregnancy?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is your best option to have a baby if you have had a previous ectopic pregnancy because fertilization occurs in the laboratory instead of in the fallopian tubes. This phase is carried out in a controlled environment that promotes the development of your embryo and then its direct transfer to your uterus.

For this procedure to be successful, the patient must be prepared beforehand. Several eggs will be obtained from her through medications supervised by a specialist, and the most optimal ones will be selected to be fertilized by the sperm, which must also be previously selected.

Once fertilization is achieved, it is important to carry out an analysis to determine the most suitable embryos to be transferred to the uterus. After this, specific monitoring should be continued to monitor their development.

If you have any doubts about ectopic pregnancy or the procedure to have your baby afterward, come to Ingenes! Our specialists have extensive experience in treating even the most complex cases and offering you the best alternative.