Pregnancy course

Theoretically, pregnancy should proceed without complications. But poor nutrition, stress, and health problems make their adjustments. Even if planned properly, absolutely unforeseen cases arise.

We have compiled a list of situations for you that change the normal course of pregnancy. Some shock, but others end very badly. These are not medical recommendations, but additional information for reflection.

1. Superfetation

A very rare situation, but completely possible, with about 10 such cases known in the world. This is the delayed fertilization of another egg that forms during ovulation. In other words, the second embryo forms a few days later than the first.

Specialists are skeptical about this phenomenon, but if such a pregnancy occurs and both embryos develop normally – there are no complications, the course is like a regular multiple pregnancy.

2. Lithopedion

This is what a calcified embryo is called, which died in the uterus or abdominal cavity and later naturally calcified. Cases of lithopedion discovery are extremely rare, most often as a result of ectopic pregnancy.

When the fetus dies, it can be absorbed without a trace or rejected, causing uterine bleeding. If the skeleton has formed, either maceration and inflammation occur, or mummification with subsequent calcium salt deposition. Treatment - only surgical intervention.

3. Superfecundation

This term means the fertilization of eggs by sperm from different men. Since sperm retain viability in the uterus for up to 4-5 days, getting pregnant from two different men is completely real! Considering that after ovulation, the egg can be fertilized for up to 48 hours, the chances increase.

4. Ectopic pregnancy

Even a planned pregnancy can turn out to be ectopic. Ectopic includes ovarian pregnancy, cervical, tubal, or pregnancy that develops in the abdominal cavity. In these cases, artificial termination of pregnancy is recommended. Sadly, there are no alternative options.

In case of a positive pregnancy test or a faint second line on the test, an ultrasound must be performed, preferably at the recommended time of 4 weeks or more.

Treatment is only surgical. If the pregnancy period is very short (up to 42 days from the start of the last menstruation), hormonal preparations are used to stop the embryo`s development.

5. Missed miscarriage

There is no heavier trial for a woman than the loss of an unborn child. Fetal non-viability is very common and is a big problem for subsequent pregnancies. Usually, after 2-3 spontaneous abortions, a woman is diagnosed with `recurrent miscarriage`. There are many reasons: genetic disorders, hormonal disorders, infections, improper nutrition, stress…

The most critical is considered the 8th week of pregnancy. There may be no symptoms at all or it may manifest as uterine bleeding. The diagnosis is made based on examination, ultrasound (absence of heartbeat), and HCG blood analysis.

If the fetus does not detach itself, abortion medications are used or surgical intervention is performed.

6. Medical abortion

It is used in cases of missed miscarriage, in some cases of ectopic pregnancy, for labor preparation and induction in cases of fetal death or diseases where there is a real threat to the mother`s life. In many countries, this method is allowed as one of the ways to terminate pregnancy.

The preparations used are `Misoprostol` – a prostaglandin for uterine muscle contractions and `Mifepristone` – a hormone that blocks progesterone production. These preparations are not available over the counter, only by prescription. The termination is performed under medical supervision.

Medical abortion reduces the risk of infertility and reproductive function disorders compared to surgical intervention. And yet, it is not harmless! It is not a panacea, so don`t think about it in the early stage of pregnancy; it`s important to know yourself and teach your children the basics of sexual behavior. Everyone should know about the possible consequences of abortion to form their opinion correctly about what is happening.

Medical abortion is performed up to 6 weeks and is contraindicated for women with allergy to the drug, cervical infections, and women with an intrauterine device. It causes heavy bleeding with possible blood clots in the uterus. The procedure is not performed if there is an ectopic pregnancy.

The medications can be taken at home, the procedure takes 3-4 days. If bleeding does not decrease, there is intense abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea for more than 12 hours, go to the hospital immediately! If discomfort persists for more than 4 days, temperature rises above 38 degrees, or an unpleasant odor appears from the vagina, see a doctor to prevent infection.

After the procedure, an ultrasound must be performed to confirm the absence of the fertilized egg and rule out complications. If the pills did not help, a surgical operation is performed.

The peculiarities of pregnancy are such that sometimes it is accompanied by complications. This is a huge psychological blow to a woman who is already in a state of stress. Approach the planning issue very thoughtfully and avoid casual sexual encounters.

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