Intrauterine pregnancy is a complex medical condition in which a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus and starts to develop within it.
The only way pregnancy is sustainable is when it takes place inside the uterus.
A pregnancy that develops anywhere else within a female reproductive tract such as the cervix, fallopian tubes, or ovary is termed as ectopic pregnancy. They are often short-lived and tend to end with abortion or a miscarriage.
In early intrauterine pregnancy, a fetal sac develops inside the womb and the baby is too small to see. Let us educate you about some basic details about intrauterine pregnancy and is intrauterine pregnancy bad or normal?
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How to Confirm an Intrauterine Pregnancy?
It is possible to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy with the help of certain tests. Ultrasound is considered to be one of the most common and widely used tests for confirming an intrauterine pregnancy.
Visible Yolk Sac
During an intrauterine pregnancy, a yolk sac develops in the uterus. This visibility of a yolk sac is most prominent during 5.5 weeks of pregnancy. It is possible to verify an intrauterine pregnancy after the development of an embryo with the help of an ultrasound.
Fetal Heart Activity
Another way of confirming an intrauterine pregnancy is by examining fetal heart activity. The fetal heart activity is visible after 6 weeks of pregnancy. Fetus’ heart rate tends to increase after every week and the average heart rate fluctuates between 100 to 120 per minute.
Is Intrauterine Pregnancy Normal?
According to the top reviewed gynecologist in Lahore, Dr. Zobia Jawad “Intrauterine pregnancy is considered to be normal and life-sustaining when it is in the uterus and the fetus displays a normal heartbeat.” Intrauterine pregnancy is one of the earliest signs to diagnose a pregnancy. In case you are farther along then intrauterine pregnancy can be an indication of a potentially failed pregnancy.
Your doctor is likely to recommend a second scan after 7 to 14 days so that the safety of the pregnancy can be monitored. If your doctor suspects a rate of fewer than 80 beats per minute before 6 weeks then it can be linked to a higher chance of any underlying complication that needs to be catered to. Between the time span of 6 to 7 weeks, 120 beats per minute are considered to be a wrong diagnosis.
And if the fetal heartbeat is less than 100 beats per minute then the pregnancy has a high chance of miscarriage.
What are the Causes of Intrauterine Pregnancy?
Given below are some of the key causes of intrauterine pregnancy:
Abnormal Genes and Chromosomes
One of the main causes of miscarriages is abnormal genes, extra chromosomes, and subsequent changes in the DNA sequence. This can lead to improper and faulty fetal development in the mother’s womb. It is not necessary for such abnormalities to be inherited.
The embryo can develop such abnormalities during the initial phases of pregnancy. Mainly this happens during the division and growth phase of the embryo.
Serious chromosomal abnormalities might result in fetal death in the womb.
Poor or Compromised Maternal Wellbeing
Miscarriages during intrauterine pregnancy can be due to a prior undiagnosed maternal medical issue. Some of the major issues that can lead to such miscarriages are:
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the major medical conditions that might lead to complications during pregnancy. Thus, it is better to take necessary cautions for gestational diabetes so that you are not compromising your and your baby’s health during the earlier phases of pregnancy.
Hormonal Imbalances
During intrauterine pregnancy uterus and its health matter the most. But hormonal issues such as low levels of pregnancy hormones can result in the thinning of the lining of the uterus. This compromises the health of the uterus making the implantation of the egg difficult. It also makes the development of the embryo a hard nut to crack.
Serious Infections
Certain sorts of infections such as
- Malaria
- CMV
- Listeriosis
- Toxoplasmosis
- Syphilis
- HIV infections
Might lead to complications during intrauterine pregnancy.
Cervical Issues
The chances of miscarriage during intrauterine pregnancy are increased when the cervix is incompatible with holding and feeding the embryo for its further development. If you are suffering from an incompetent cervix or fragile cervical issues the pregnancy is not likely to withhold.
Age
Women who are younger than 35 have a higher chance of a healthy pregnancy and subsequent delivery. But older women as those above 35 years of age have a 20% higher chance of losing their intrauterine pregnancy. The chances of miscarriage jump to 40% at the age of 40 and then double down to 80% at the age of 45.
History of Miscarriages
Women who have had a miscarriage in the past have a high chance of suffering from another one. But proper treatment and care can subsequently reduce the chances of a miscarriage. Therefore do not lose hope and make sure to consult a health care professional for such matters.
Substance Abuse
Certain lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking, and drug abuse reduce the chances of a healthy intrauterine pregnancy. All the carcinogens in the drugs and tobacco can disrupt the uterus lining thus making it difficult for the mother’s womb to hold the embryo.
Note: How to prevent miscarriages learn about some tips and home remedies here!
Intrauterine Pregnancy Treatment to Avoid Complications
In order to avoid certain complications which might lead to miscarriage or problems during childbirth, given below are certain lifestyle aspects that one can keep an eye on
Make Healthy Dietary Choices
Remember to eat a healthy, well-balanced, and nutrient-rich diet to keep the health of your uterus intact. Furthermore, remember to add antioxidants to your diet to strengthen your immune system and ensure better health for your baby. You can rely on leafy green vegetables for their high nutrition count for a sustainable intrauterine pregnancy.
For a complete guide to pregnancy diet, read more here.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is a waste of a habit that is not only damaging to your health but is disastrous for a healthy pregnancy. Give up on it and enjoy the health benefits of quitting smoking, one of which is a sustainable intrauterine pregnancy.
Get Treatment for APS
APS or antiphospholipid syndrome is a condition in which women suffer from a weak cervix that interferes with the implantation of the embryo and its feeding. Therefore make sure to get proper treatment for this condition.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Another thing that keeps you away from all the complications of intrauterine pregnancy is maintaining a healthy weight. Thus, make sure to maintain a healthy weight before and after getting pregnant.
When to Consult a Doctor During Intrauterine Pregnancy?
Make sure to visit an OB/GYN via healthwire if you are encountering any health complications. If you are suffering from unexpected vaginal bleeding or brown spotting then it can be an indication of an intrauterine pregnancy failure.
Remember to update your knowledge and get medical assistance as soon as possible.
People Also Ask
Can an Intrauterine Pregnancy Survive?
According to doctors, 50 to 60% of intrauterine pregnancies survive with proper care and monitoring.
Is Intrauterine Pregnancy a Normal Pregnancy?
When the embryo is implanted in the right place that is in the uterus and the fetus displays a normal heartbeat.
Is an Intrauterine Pregnancy a High-Risk Pregnancy?
One of the strongest risk factors during intrauterine pregnancy is stillbirth which makes it a high-risk pregnancy.
