Know the Characteristics of Pregnancy Outside the Womb Early

Pregnancy outside the womb or in medical terms is known as an ectopic pregnancy, is one condition that can have serious consequences. To be aware of it, it is important to recognize the characteristics of pregnancy outside the womb so that it can be treated immediately and reduce the risk of complications that may occur. Pregnancy outside the womb is a pregnancy that occurs when a fertilized egg is not attached or attached to the uterus as is normal, but is attached to a place other than the uterus, such as fallopian tubes, abdominal cavities, ovaries, or cervix (cervix) ). In this condition, the fertilized egg cannot grow normally and usually causes the death of an embryo (fetus). This death is because organs in the abdomen other than the uterus are not designed as an embryo for growth. Pregnancy outside the womb can be a dangerous condition if a tear occurs at the location where the embryo grows. These tears can cause fatal heavy bleeding if not treated quickly. One of the most common causes of pregnancy outside the womb is damage to the fallopian tubes, for example due to inflammation to form scar tissue. This damage will prevent the fertilized egg from entering the uterus, so that it sticks to the fallopian wall or other organs. In addition, unbalanced hormone levels and abnormal development in fertilized eggs sometimes also play a role in the emergence of the condition.

Characteristics of Pregnancy Outside the Womb

Initially, ectopic pregnancies tend to have no typical symptoms, with signs of pregnancy similar to normal pregnancies. After the gestational age is greater, other symptoms will appear that indicate an ectopic pregnancy, including:

• Pain in the lower abdomen that usually occurs on one side.
• Mild bleeding from the vagina.
• Pain or pressure in the rectum during bowel movements.
• Discomfort when urinating.

Sometimes the characteristics of pregnancy outside the womb are not specific and do not cause severe complaints if there is no bleeding due to tears in the attachment of the embryo. Signs of danger that need to be aware of in an ectopic pregnancy are pelvic pain or severe abdominal pain accompanied by heavy bleeding from the vagina, weakness, dizzy eyes, pale, cold hands and feet, rapid heartbeat, and fainting. Pregnancy outside the womb that has caused bleeding is an emergency medical condition that requires treatment as soon as possible. Therefore, you are advised to go to the hospital immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Management of Pregnancy Outside the Womb

Women who are suspected of having pregnancy outside the womb must be immediately taken to the hospital to undergo examination and treatment as soon as possible. This is because a fertilized egg cannot grow normally if it is not in the uterus and will damage the structure of the tissue where it attaches if left unchecked. Therefore, ectopic tissue needs to be removed immediately to avoid the risk of other complications that are more dangerous.

• Using drug therapy

Ectopic pregnancy that is detected early and has not yet caused tears and bleeding at the embryo attachment site can generally be treated with methotrexate injections. This drug functions to stop the growth while destroying cells that have been formed. After your injection, your doctor will monitor levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). If the HCG level in the blood is still high, you will be given another methotrexate injection. Usually this drug starts to work effectively when you feel symptoms that are similar to a miscarriage, such as cramps, bleeding, and tissue that comes out of the birth canal.

• Undergo surgical procedures

In addition to the above treatment, pregnancy outside the womb can also be treated with surgery. Embryos that attach to the fallopian tubes or other locations will be removed and repaired if possible. Fallopian tube tears and bleeding due to pregnancy outside the womb are the main indications for surgical removal of the fallopian tube. The surgical procedure can be done by conventional methods (laparotomy) or by laparoscopic surgery.

Ectopic pregnancy cannot be completely prevented. But you can avoid this condition if you know the characteristics of pregnancy outside the womb as early as possible, then do a pregnancy consultation and a series of tests, such as physical examination, blood tests, and ultrasound of pregnancy as an early detection. This needs to be done especially for women who have had previous ectopic pregnancies.