Pregnancy is one of the most special moments in any woman’s life. During this period, many changes take place in the body, and every woman wants her pregnancy to be safe and normal. However, in some cases, the process of conception does not occur properly, leading to a situation that can be life-threatening for the woman. This serious problem is called ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. Sometimes its symptoms are similar to those of normal pregnancy, so women are not able to recognize it. Due to lack of timely treatment, the fallopian tube may burst, which can be fatal. So, let us understand how the embryo implants in the fallopian tube and how dangerous it is for the mother’s life.
What is ectopic pregnancy?
In a normal pregnancy, when the egg and sperm meet, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. There it implants, and the baby begins to develop. However, in an ectopic pregnancy, this fertilized egg does not reach the uterus and gets stuck in the wrong place on the way. In most cases, it gets stuck in the fallopian tube. That is why it is also called tubal pregnancy. The fallopian tube is not made for the development of a child, so this condition is considered very dangerous.
How does the embryo implant in the fallopian tube?
Every month, an egg is released from a woman’s ovary. This egg travels to the fallopian tube, where it meets the sperm and fertilization occurs. After fertilization, this egg slowly moves through the fallopian tube towards the uterus. Small hair-like structures (cilia) inside the tube help in this movement. If there is swelling, shrinkage, blockage or any damage in the fallopian tube due to any reason, the embryo is unable to move forward and gets stuck in the tube itself. This is where ectopic pregnancy begins. Due to implantation of the embryo in the fallopian tube
Previous infection or pelvic inflammatory disease, prior surgery, endometriosis, history of ectopic pregnancy, IVF or fertility treatment, smoking and hormonal imbalance may cause the embryo to implant in the fallopian tube.
How dangerous is this for the mother?
1. Life-threatening condition – Ectopic pregnancy can be a serious and life-threatening condition. If it is not treated immediately, it can be fatal for the woman. 2. Tubal rupture – As the fetus grows, the pressure on the fallopian tube increases. Eventually, the tube may burst.
3. Internal bleeding – When the tube bursts, there is excessive internal bleeding in the stomach, which is not visible from outside but is very dangerous.
4. Fainting and shock – Excessive bleeding can cause a woman to faint, her blood pressure may drop, and medical shock may occur.
