An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg grows outside the uterus (womb), usually in the fallopian tube. The fallopian tube is not made to hold a growing embryo as it can’t stretch like a uterus. Therefore, this type of pregnancy can be life-threatening and cannot proceed normally, hence requiring immediate intervention. The treatment can be medicinal or surgical depending on the patient’s condition.
After these treatments, the patient can feel fatigued and have pain in the abdomen. Depending on the severity of the pregnancy, the woman can return to the normal cycle immediately or it may take several weeks for periods and fertility to return. Generally, fertility is not affected if the fallopian tube remains intact.
Emotional & Psychological effect of Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a type of miscarriage that occurs at an early stage of pregnancy. Miscarriages of any type are incredibly draining, both physically & emotionally. According to The Lancet report, at least 1 in 10 women experience miscarriage followed by post-traumatic stress (PTS). PTS can have a negative impact on work, home, and relationships. However, there are several ways to cope with PTS.
Plan your future conception: The first step to get on with life is by talking to a gynaecologist to plan your future. It is essential to understand that your body needs to recover after an ectopic pregnancy, and it is not your fault to have experienced one. Understand the treatment options and plan a way forward.
Practice Yoga: Meditation and yoga can help in managing high levels of stress and anxiety if you are suffering from PTS or planning your next pregnancy.
Eat well: A healthy diet is very important for your lifestyle especially when you’re planning a pregnancy. Avoid junk food and too much caffeine!
Book yourself a massage – Massages not only help in relaxing the nervous system but also increase the oxygen flow in the body which makes healing faster and helps in balancing the endocrine system that controls hormone levels. Just make sure that your therapist avoids the affected area post the surgery.
Couples should consult a specialist and start planning their pregnancy at the right time. Don’t rush, give your body time to heal and recover.
Garima (name changed), a 30-year-old woman, had conceived naturally but had to terminate her five-week pregnancy by undergoing a laparoscopic milking procedure because of her tubal/ ectopic pregnancy on the right side. The patient had undergone two abortions earlier and had a history of Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), putting her under a lot of pressure and uncertainty of conceiving in the future.
To allay her fears related to chances of future pregnancy, a team of doctors protected the fallopian tube instead of removing it. In such cases 99 per cent of the time (in India), the fallopian tube is removed. However, to preserve the fertility of our patient, the laparoscopic milking technique was adopted, a novel method that removes the ectopic pregnancy as well as conserves the tube. Doctors ensured that the patient was healthy and satisfied with the treatment options - staying true to the value of patient centricity.
For most women, ectopic pregnancy is an upsetting and frightening experience. There is a natural feeling of loss, grief, shock, anxiety with respect to an ectopic pregnancy. To help couples through this difficult time, it is important to understand what ectopic pregnancy is.
The writer Dr Anjali Kumar, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, at CK Birla Hospital