A pregnancy that starts growing outside the uterus (womb) is known as ectopic pregnancy. Generally, women with a history of ectopic pregnancies are at higher risk of getting an ectopic pregnancy again, as compared to other women with history of normal pregnancies. An ectopic pregnancy cannot survive, and if allowed to grow, it can also pose serious health risk to the pregnant woman.
In normal pregnancies, the fertilized egg moves from fallopian tubes to the uterus, and the pregnancy then continues to grow and develop inside uterus. However, sometimes the fertilized egg gets implanted outside uterus, and continues to grow there, leading to an ectopic pregnancy.
The most common type of ectopic pregnancy grows in the fallopian tube (tubal pregnancy). However, rarely, can also occur in other parts- including abdominal cavity, ovary or the cervix (lower part of uterus that connects to the vagina).
Click here for more information regarding healthcare during pregnancy– by Consultant Gynecologist, Al Hilal Hospital, Bahrain.
For consultation regarding ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or any gynecological issue, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology today and get an appointment with the best gynecologist and obstetrician in Bahrain.
Our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches, for your convenience. We also offer exclusive antenatal and delivery packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms
Ectopic pregnancy symptoms usually start developing between 4th and 12th weeks. Most women do not have any symptoms initially, until the scan/ blood tests show some problem, or until they develop serious symptoms later. The most common ectopic pregnancy symptoms include:
Vaginal bleeding: usually different than regular period; it might be dark brown and watery and start/ stop randomly.
Abdominal pain: ectopic pregnancy pain occurs on one side of lower abdomen. It can develop gradually or suddenly, and can be persistent or occasional.
Pain in tip of shoulder: unusual ectopic pregnancy pain between the end of shoulder and beginning of arm.
Discomfort while using toilet: this might include diarrhea, and changes in bowel and bladder movement.
Rupture: in some extreme cases, ectopic pregnancy can grow large and damage the fallopian tube, causing rupture. It is a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention. The common signs of rupture include:
- Sudden, sharp, and intense pain in abdomen.
- Fainting or feeling dizzy.
- Feeling sick.
If you have the symptoms mentioned above, or you suspect having an ectopic pregnancy, consult an expert gynecologist at the earliest. Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology offers the best gynecologist and obstetrician in Bahrain– get in touch today, for early diagnosis and efficient treatment options.
Our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches, for your convenience. We also offer exclusive antenatal and delivery packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
Ectopic Pregnancy hCG Levels
Diagnosing ectopic pregnancy is difficult, especially in the initial stages. If there are symptoms of ectopic pregnancy after the initial positive pregnancy test, repetition of βhCG blood test (test for level of the pregnancy hormone) is an effective way of identifying the issue.
In normal pregnancies, βhCG levels double every 24 hours, indicating a healthy pregnancy. Sometimes, there is an overlap between upward trend in normal and ectopic pregnancies, and in ectopic pregnancy hCG levels can increase by 66% within 48 hours. If the βhCG levels rise slowly or continue to decrease with time, it might be an indication of ectopic pregnancy.
Ectopic Pregnancy Ultrasound
Ectopic pregnancy ultrasound usually shows the position of implanted egg- in the fallopian tubes or elsewhere outside uterus. However, sometimes the fertilized egg might be difficult to detect in transvaginal ultrasound scan, and repeated βhCG blood tests are used to identify ectopic pregnancy.
Click here for more information regarding healthcare during pregnancy– by Consultant Gynecologist, Al Hilal Hospital, Bahrain.
Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment
In ectopic pregnancies, unfortunately, there is no way to save the pregnancy (developing embryo or fetus). All the possible treatment methods include removing the pregnancy before it grows and leads to permanent damage. Ectopic pregnancy treatment mainly includes the following methods:
Ectopic Pregnancy Conservative Treatment: In this method, the condition of the patient is carefully monitored, including progress of βhCG levels, ultrasound to observe the size of embryo and the strength of pregnancy symptoms.
Ectopic Pregnancy Medical Management/ Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment Methotrexate: Ectopic pregnancy medical management/ ectopic pregnancy treatment methotrexate includes the use of medicine to halt the growth of pregnancy.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgical method is used to remove the pregnancy, and usually the affected fallopian tube is also removed.
Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
For more information about ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or any gynecological issue, consult an expert gynecologist at the earliest. At Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, we have highly qualified and experienced doctors, state-of-the-art laboratories, and modern equipment to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment options for all the patients.
Contact Al Hilal Hospital, and get consultation with the best gynecologist and obstetrician in Bahrain for details related to ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and other gynecological matters. For your convenience, our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches. We also offer exclusive antenatal and delivery packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
