Cervical pregnancy is a type of ectopic pregnancy where a fertilized egg implants in the cervix instead of the uterus. It can cause abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, and is more common in women with damaged or malformed reproductive organs. Treatment includes drug injections or surgery, and future pregnancies may be difficult but not impossible. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for protecting reproductive health.
A cervical pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the cervix, or the area where the uterus meets the vagina, instead of the uterus itself. Although it often has symptoms similar to those of a normal pregnancy, the implanted egg cannot develop successfully and can even pose a life-threatening health risk. This condition has a number of possible causes, but is more common in women with damaged or malformed reproductive organs. It is usually diagnosed through imaging and blood tests and treated with drug injections or surgery. Cervical pregnancy generally makes future pregnancies difficult, but not impossible.
In the beginning of a normal pregnancy, an egg that has been released from the ovary is fertilized in the fallopian tube and then implants itself in the lining of the uterus, where it begins to receive nourishment and develop. In the condition known as an ectopic pregnancy, however, the fertilized egg implants itself in another part of the reproductive anatomy. Cervical pregnancy is a form of ectopic pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants itself in the cervical tissue.
Women experiencing a cervical pregnancy may initially have symptoms similar to those of a normal pregnancy, such as nausea, breast tenderness, and missed periods. However, an egg implanted in the cervix cannot develop successfully, and as the pregnancy progresses, it usually begins to cause abdominal pain and, in some cases, vaginal bleeding. If left untreated, this type of pregnancy can cause serious damage to the reproductive organs and life-threatening internal bleeding.
Although cervical pregnancies have a number of possible causes, they are more common in women with malformed or scarred reproductive organs. Often, this type of scar is caused by surgery. It can also result from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which in turn can be caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
If a doctor suspects a cervical pregnancy, they may first do a pelvic exam and blood test to verify that the patient is pregnant. She will also likely perform an imaging test such as an ultrasound to determine if the fertilized egg has implanted in an area other than the uterine wall. If a cervical pregnancy is discovered, the implanted egg must be discarded to prevent potentially life-threatening complications. An early cervical pregnancy can be treated with an injection of an egg-dissipating drug. Cervical pregnancies that have progressed significantly may require surgery.
After experiencing cervical pregnancy, many women may find it difficult to conceive and successfully carry a baby. However, pregnancy following this condition is not necessarily impossible. Early treatment is critical to protecting a woman’s reproductive health. Therefore, those who suspect an ectopic pregnancy should see a doctor as soon as possible.
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