The Link Between Ectopic Pregnancy and Smoking: A Reason to Stop Smoking

According to the NHS Choices website, Women who smoke are twice as likely to develop an ectopic pregnancy in comparison to those who are non-smokers.

An ectopic pregnancy can be described as an ‘Out-of-Place Pregnancy.’ A serious cause for concern and occurring in around one in sixty pregnancies, suspected Ectopic Pregnancies require immediate medical attention.

Rather than developing within the womb, an ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants elsewhere; often within the fallopian tubes. The consequences being, that the egg will not develop as normal into a baby, with potentially devastating psychological and physical effects to the mother.

Regrettably, in all cases the untreated continuation of an ectopic pregnancy would be fatal. The fertilised egg would continue to grow, causing a rupture within the fallopian tube, splitting open, causing potentially fatal internal bleeding.

A clear link has been discovered, proving a causal relationship between smoking and Ectopic Pregnancies. Scientists found that a chemical in cigarette smoke triggers a reaction a reaction within the fallopian tubes, increasing the levels of protein. This protein raises the risk of the egg implanting outside the womb, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy.

It is crucial that an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed as promptly as possible. Delays to diagnosis and treatment increases the chances of the fallopian tubes being irrevocably damaged, leading to future fertility issues and a raised chance of further ectopic pregnancies. As an ectopic pregnancy continues there is also a higher risk of a rupture leading to internal bleeding.

Ectopic pregnancies are notoriously difficult to diagnose as symptoms vary from patient to patient. In some cases women who experience an ectopic pregnancy can display no symptoms at all. However, where symptoms are present, they can be similar to those of gastroenteritis, appendicitis or miscarriage; resulting in a misdiagnosis being made on that basis.

Unfortunately, the most common symptoms are accepted as typical of a normal pregnancy. Feeling nauseous, breast tenderness, a cease to regular periods, needing to pass urine more frequently and feeling unusually tired are afflictions generally expected when a woman is a pregnant. It is unlikely these symptoms would be a cause for concern in an expectant mother and may result in a delay in an ectopic pregnancy being diagnosed.

There are various symptoms, distinct from normal expectations, considered to be indicators; usually appearing between weeks five and fourteen of the pregnancy. These symptoms include very dark vaginal bleeding, bowel pain, persistent diarrhoea and vomiting. Although rare, sufferers of an ectopic pregnancy can also experience a very distinctive pain, coined as ‘Shoulder Tip Pain.’ Distinct from day to day shoulder aches and pains located in muscles of the back and neck, ‘Shoulder Tip Pain’ is felt where the woman’s shoulder ends and her arm begins.

It is important to bear in mind that if you suspect you have an ectopic pregnancy, urgent medical treatment should be sought. The consequences of an ectopic pregnancy rupture can be far reaching, with risks associated with future health and fertility.

Giving up smoking has countless benefits, both for the individual and for those close to them, many of which have been previously discussed in detail on this website. However, with this in mind, it is still important to consider the benefits that are not quite as well publicised.

For many people, the safeguarding of their health and fertility is a clear priority. With the link between cigarettes and ectopic pregnancies clear, there has never been a better reason to stop smoking!