Pregnancy for most mums doesn’t mean that they should drastically change their lifestyle — especially if they are healthy and the pregnancy is normal. But some mums-to-be with complicated pregnancies need to exercise more caution. What happens though, if your profession won’t let you slow down? Recently, one Egyptian surgeon went above and beyond her call of duty as she continued operating on a patient despite vaginal bleeding from an ectopic pregnancy. We’ll discuss how to prevent ectopic pregnancy towards the end.
Expert surgeon with ectopic pregnancy continues operating on patient
One medical expert in Luxor General Hospital, Egypt recently showed just how dedicated she is to her profession… but at the risk of her own health. Dr Mervat Mohamed Talaat, who had an ectopic pregnancy, continued with her patient’s C-section despite bleeding heavily from a miscarriage in the middle of the operation.
Here’s how it all started: Dr Mervat was in the middle of conducting a C-section surgery. Suddenly, she felt severe pain and experienced a lot of vaginal bleeding.
Dr Mervat was pregnant when she operated on her patient. (Image for illustration purposes only). | Image Source: Stock Photo
However, Dr Mervat did not move away. She continued the operation — all the way, in fact, until she delivered her patient’s baby!
After she finished operating, Dr Mervat transferred her patient under another medical expert’s care, before she looked at treating herself.
Exactly what is an ectopic pregnancy?
As reported by Egyptian media Al Arabiya, the exemplary doctor in question actually had an ectopic pregnancy, otherwise known as an out-of-uterus pregnancy.
The word “ectopic” itself literally word means “in the wrong place”.
95% of ectopic pregnancy cases occur in the fallopian tube or in the mum’s abdomen.
Left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can lead to severe complications, like internal bleeding, dizziness, severe abdominal pain, dizziness, and sweating. Most ectopic pregnancies end up as a miscarriage.
In normal pregnancies, the fertilised egg develops into a baby in the uterus. However, in ectopic pregnancies, the fertilised egg implants itself in other areas. | Image Source: PregMed
After confirming that you have an ectopic pregnancy, doctors will perform a laparoscopic surgery (also known as a keyhole surgery) to cut the fallopian tube and remove the baby.
Medical experts from Dr Mervat’s hospital suspect that the immense workplace pressure exhausted her so much that she could not take care of her health.
On the day of the incident, Dr Mervat had three surgeries scheduled.
Exactly who is at risk of an ectopic pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancies can happen to any woman. However, there is a greater risk of the condition developing if the woman:
- has experienced an ectopic pregnancy before.
- is affected by inflammation or infection. Sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea can lead to inflammation in the Fallopian tubes and organs close by can heighten the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
- went through fertility treatments. Women who undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) or similar procedures are likelier to suffer from an ectopic pregnancy. Being infertile alone can also raise your risk.
- tubal surgery. Having gone through surgery to rectify a sealed or wounded fallopian tube can raise the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
- uses certain types of contraceptives. While it’s rare to become pregnant while being equipped with an intrauterine device (IUD), a pregnancy that happens with an IUD is likelier to be ectopic. A permanent contraceptive method called Tubal ligation, commonly known as “tying your tubes” also heightens the risk of an ectopic pregnancy if you become pregnant after this procedure.
- smokes. Cigarette smoking prior to pregnancy can raise the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. The risk increases as you smoke more packs.
Symptoms of an ectoptic pregnancy all mums have to watch out for
How would you know if you are actually having an ectopic pregnancy, though? Watch out for these important signs.
Usually, an ectopic pregnancy feels exactly the same as a normal pregnancy.
Women may notice that their menstrual cycle is late or won’t come immediately, have breast pain, frequently feel fatigued, vomit and urinate often. You’ll even have a positive pregnancy test.
Having any pain during pregnancy warrants a visit to the doctor, mums. | Image Source: Stock Photo
However, you are likely to have an ectopic pregnancy if you experience any of the following:
- profuse vaginal bleeding
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvis, usually between 6 or 8 weeks after a late menstrual period. If the pain is too severe you might not be able to walk.
- shock – usually when an ectopic pregnancy ruptures
- having pain during sexual intercourse
- feeling pain during a pelvic examination
- a fast heart rate, usually over 100 beats per minute
- paleness, being clammy, or sweating a lot
- Dizziness
- Frequently fainting
- Internal bleeding
- Often surprised or feeling shocked
- Shoulder pain
Do seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, mum! Do not take conditions or pain during pregnancy lightly, mums.
How to prevent ectopic pregnancy
how to prevent ectopic pregnancy
Currently, there are no definite ways on how to prevent ectopic pregnancy. That said, an ectopic pregnancy can be avoided if a woman can prevent conditions which could scar her fallopian tube. There are still also some more ways to lessen the risk of getting one. Here’s how:
- restrict how many sexual partners you have.
- equip yourself with a condom during intercourse so that you won’t contract sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and have a lesser chance of getting pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- avoid smoking. If you are smoking, stop first before attempting pregnancy.
- diagnosing and treating conditions like STDs and PID early
Women who are affected by conditions beyond their control (like infertility, birth anomalies in the fallopian tube, endometriosis or risks that come with aging) should routinely consult a qualified gynecologist experienced with treating ectopic pregnancy.
We at theAsianparent hope this article about ectopic pregnancies and how to prevent ectopic pregnancy has been helpful. We hope that everything will go smoothly for you, mums! Stay healthy don’t forget to get enough rest.
This article was originally written by Ayu Idris and translated to English by Kevin Wijaya Oey. Republished with the permission of theAsianparent Malaysia.
References: Mayo Clinic, Florida Hospital
Also Read:
What is ectopic pregnancy?
Pregnancy Concerns: Groin Pain
