By Nelson Musungu, Bungoma
When most women find out they are pregnant, they expect the new life to develop safely inside the womb. But for some, that hope takes a dangerous turn.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube. This is a medical emergency that can be fatal if not treated.
At the Bungoma County Referral Hospital, health experts are worried about the increasing risks tied to this condition.
In an interview with County Splash, Diviniza Ochwila, Senior Nursing Officer and Reproductive Health Nurse at the facility explained that ectopic pregnancy starts like any normal pregnancy after fertilization. However, the fertilized egg does not attach to the uterine lining.
“Just like a normal pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy starts after fertilization. But instead of attaching in the uterus, the fertilized egg most often implants in the fallopian tube,” she said.
According to Ochwila, most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes, while some cases have occurred in the ovaries and abdomen.
She mentioned several factors that increase the risk of this condition, including sexually transmitted infections (STI), especially when untreated.
“STI such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea can damage or block the fallopian tubes,” she explained. “The scars left in the fallopian tubes after healing prevents the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus, forcing it to implant in the wrong place.”
The expert adds that smoking is also a major cause of the ectopic pregnancy.
“The chemicals in cigarettes interfere with how the fallopian tubes work,” Ochwila noted. “They slow down the tiny hairs that move the fertilized egg, increasing the chances of it implanting outside the uterus.”
Other causes include previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, hormonal imbalances, and untreated infections that affect reproductive health.
Ochwila notes that this condition can be safely managed when detected early.
“Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency and if it will not be diagnosed and treated in time, the growing embryo can rupture the fallopian tube, this can lead to severe internal bleeding and even death.” Ochwila warned.
She stressed the importance of early diagnosis, which can be made through ultrasound scans and blood tests.
She warned that if pregnant mothers encounter abnormal signs such as sharp abdominal pains, unusual vaginal bleeding, dizziness and shoulder pains, they should visit the nearest hospital for diagnosis.
Statistics from the ministry of health show that ectopic pregnancies significantly contribute to maternal complications in Kenya, although exact numbers remain unclear due to late hospital visits.
At Bungoma County Referral Hospital, reproductive health experts urge women to focus on prevention by adopting safer practices.
Ochwila recommends treating STIs promptly, avoiding smoking, and seeking medical attention early in pregnancy.
“Awareness and early medical care can save lives,” she said. “Women should not ignore symptoms or delay going to health facilities.”
Ochwila warns that beyond the immediate danger of internal bleeding and death, ectopic pregnancy carries long-term risks.
In severe cases, surgery may require the removal of one or both fallopian tubes, leaving a woman with reduced chances of conceiving naturally or even causing permanent infertility. For many, the condition not only threatens life but also shatters future hopes of motherhood.
Ochwila adds that those mothers who had previously conceived an ectopic pregnancy, the chances are still high for them to conceive the same pregnancy as the factors remain constant
At the Bungoma County Referral Hospital, statistics show that since 2024 the facility has recorded 74 cases of ectopic pregnancy with 60 mothers successfully undergoing surgery that preserved there fallopian tubes
Unfortunately 4 mothers at the facility succumbed to complications while the remaining had their tubes permanently removed posing dangers of conceiving again
Health expert says the figures highlight the urgent need for awareness, early diagnosis, and timely intervention to reduce preventable maternal deaths in the county
