Intrauterine pregnancy describes when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but doesn’t lead to a full-term pregnancy. When this happens, it’s often called an ectopic pregnancy. Even though ectopic pregnancies are relatively rare, they can be life-threatening for the pregnant woman and her baby. This blog post will discuss what you should know about intrauterine pregnancy and how to prevent it.
What is intrauterine pregnancy?
Intrauterine pregnancy is when a fertilized egg (the embryo) resides within the uterus, usually lasting around nine months. Intrauterine pregnancies are uncommon but can occur in up to 12% of all conceptions.
There are a few key things you should know about intrauterine pregnancies:
-The embryo is protected by the uterine wall and cannot be seen or felt during an ultrasound.
-If you are pregnant with an intrauterine pregnancy, your doctor may notice increased vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain early on. If these symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
-Intrauterine pregnancies risk miscarriage, but this varies depending on the woman’s age, health history, and fertility status. A small percentage of women who miscarry with an intrauterine pregnancy will also experience long-term health problems such as preeclampsia (a high blood pressure condition) or placental abruption (a tear in the placenta).
While risks are associated with every pregnancy, knowing about intrauterine pregnancies can help you make informed decisions about your future childbearing options.
How is intrauterine pregnancy diagnosed?
Intrauterine pregnancy is diagnosed by taking a pregnancy test. If the test is positive, your doctor will do a pelvic exam to determine if you are pregnant.
What are the risks of intrauterine pregnancy?
There are many risks associated with intrauterine pregnancy, but most of these can be minimised by taking simple precautions. Some of the key risks to consider include the following:
- The risk of developing preeclampsia (a severe complication that can lead to a stroke or even death). Preeclampsia is most common in pregnant women who are 35 or older, have a previous preexisting condition like hypertension, diabetes, or severe liver disease, or carry a baby extra-large for their weight. If you develop symptoms of preeclampsia, such as high blood pressure, swelling around the neck and face, extreme tiredness, and seizures, you should see your doctor immediately.
- The risk of developing congenital disabilities (such as cleft lip or palate). Congenital disabilities are more likely to occur in pregnancies that involve an abnormal sperm or egg pairing (known as spontaneous miscarriage), severe maternal illness (e.g., G6PD deficiency), or multiple births. Contact your doctor immediately if you’re pregnant and notice unusual changes in your baby’s development (e.g., small head size).
- The risk of losing the pregnancy altogether (known as ectopic pregnancy). Ectopic pregnancies occur when the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus – usually in the fallopian tubes – but can also happen in other body parts like the ovaries. If you experience heavy vaginal bleeding and pain during intercourse, remember to
What are the benefits of intrauterine pregnancy?
There are several benefits to intrauterine pregnancy, including that:
-It’s a low-risk option. Intrauterine pregnancy is one of the lowest-risk pregnancies you can have.
-It’s a natural way to get pregnant. Intrauterine pregnancy is often considered a natural way to get pregnant because it happens in the body’s way – without using any outside help.
-It may be more comfortable than other types of pregnancies. Intrauterine pregnancy may be more comfortable than other pregnancies because it’s less likely to cause pain, and there’s often little or no bleeding during the first few months.
-The baby may be healthier. One study found that babies born via intrauterine pregnancy were generally healthier than those born through other methods, such as artificial insemination or intercourse. They tended to have lower rates of asthma and respiratory problems and fewer behavioural issues.
How long does it take for intrauterine pregnancies to result in a baby?
Intrauterine pregnancies can result in a baby within about nine weeks, which can take up to twelve weeks. The time it takes for intrauterine pregnancies to result in a baby is based on many factors, including the woman’s age and the uterus size.
What are the risks of not undergoing an intrauterine pregnancy?
If you don’t undergo an intrauterine germination, there are several risks. The most common is a miscarriage, which can occur in up to 50 per cent of cases. Another chance is having a baby with congenital disabilities, including serious brain and heart conditions. If you choose not to have an intrauterine pregnancy, your health and your baby’s health may be at risk.
What should you do if you are pregnant and decide to terminate?
You should know a few things if you are pregnant and decide to terminate the pregnancy:
- Your health is your top priority. Make sure to talk to your doctor about your options and whether or not they’re best for you.
- Get all the information you need about abortion procedures. There are many different ways to terminate a pregnancy, and it can be scary if you don’t know what to expect.
- Remember that abortion is a sensitive topic, and some people may not be able to accept it.
Do what feels right for you, and don’t worry about anyone else.