Introduction
Pregnancy is often considered a happy event in most families. However, previous conditions and lifestyles can affect the health of a woman and lead to potential problems with pregnancy, such as ectopic pregnancy and hypertensive disorders. Therefore, these issues should be properly addressed to prevent a mother and a baby from more serious and dangerous risks.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is not widespread but is a life-threatening condition. This phenomenon refers to the implantation of the embryo in extra-uterine sites (Kolander et al., 2013). Kolander et al. (2013) state that almost 100,000 cases occur annually, accounting for 9% of total maternal deaths. Besides, from 2006 to 2013, the tendency to increase the number of ectopic pregnancies from 11.0 to 13.7 per 1000 live births in the U. S. was observed (Mann et al., 2020). It suggests that the growth of the number of such cases is dynamic and depends on a variety of factors. Usually, women with prior ectopic pregnancies, gynecological surgeries, and intrauterine device users pose the risk group (Kolander et al., 2013). Ectopic pregnancy may lead to maternal mortality or infertility.
The danger of this condition is in the symptoms that may be similar to others, even non-gynecological ones. Nevertheless, irregular periods, high temperature, one-sided pelvic pain, and internal or external bleeding point out ectopic pregnancy (Kolander et al., 2013). In addition, Mann et al. (2020) emphasize that the symptoms are severe, and many women are diagnosed in emergency departments. Despite the seriousness of this condition, nearly half of the cases can be treated in an outpatient department (Kolander et al., 2013). It suggests that the effectiveness of treatment depends on the patient history and severity of the condition.
Hypertensive Disorders
Preeclampsia (PE) and eclampsia (E) represent pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders. Both conditions are associated with swelling and excess protein in the urine (Kolander et al., 2013). Eclampsia refers to the progression of undiagnosed preeclampsia manifested by convulsions or coma (Kolander et al., 2013). Along with pre-gestational and gestational hypertension, PE and E affect 3-10% of pregnancies (Alonso-Ventura et al., 2019). Although such statistics are not a pressing concern, these conditions may cause perinatal mortality, a high rate of cesarean deliveries, preterm births, and negative consequences during postnatal periods (Alonso-Ventura et al., 2019). In the PE and E cases, early detection of signs can facilitate condition management and recovery.
Plan to Help the Patient
The main treatment options for ectopic pregnancy include expectant management, medicine, and surgery. Expectant management provides monitoring of a condition and determining whether treatment is needed. Noteworthy, women aged 40-44 are at the highest risk of the disorder that requires pharmaceutical treatment or surgery (Mann et al., 2020). Since each option has its benefits and disadvantages, the treatment plan is selected according to condition manifestations, the pregnancy hormone level, and the size of the fetus.
The PE and E conditions require either delivering a baby or managing the condition until the most appropriate time for the birth. Nevertheless, Alonso-Ventura et al. (2019) emphasize the necessity to monitor and treat hypertensive disorders after delivery. These indications include metabolic changes, body weight, and other disorders related to glucose and insulin levels, as well as hypertension (Alonso-Ventura et al., 2019). Therefore, PE and E require continuous postpartum follow-up management.
Conclusion
Finally, ectopic pregnancy and hypertensive disorders are not widespread in women as the percentage of these cases is relatively low. However, it is crucial to address such issues because they pose a threat to a mother’s and child’s health and lives. The best way to avoid complications of ectopic pregnancy and hypertensive disorders is the early detection of the signs. Nevertheless, the treatment of such conditions mainly depends on patient history, previous diseases, and other pregnancy-related factors.
References
Alonso-Ventura, V., Li, Y., Pasupuleti, V., Roman, Y. M., Hernandez, A. V., & Pérez-López, F. R. (2019). Effects of preeclampsia and eclampsia on maternal metabolic and biochemical outcomes in later life: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Metabolism, 102, pp. 1-45.
Kolander, C. A., Ballard, D. R., & Chandler, C. K. (2013). Contemporary women’s health: Issues for today and the future (5th ed.). McGraw Hill.
Mann, L. M., Kreisel, K., Llata, E., Hong, J., & Torrone, E. A. (2020). Trends in ectopic pregnancy diagnoses in United States emergency departments, 2006–2013. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 24, pp. 213-221.