1. What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, rather than inside it. This condition is also referred to as "tubal pregnancy" because most cases occur in the fallopian tubes. Whether there's an issue with the egg or the fallopian tubes, the egg becomes trapped on its way to the uterus.
A pregnancy cannot survive outside the uterus, so all ectopic pregnancies require treatment. Around 90% of women with an ectopic pregnancy need surgery. Nowadays, the number of surgeries has decreased significantly, and many ectopic pregnancies are treated with medication to prevent the condition from progressing.
If diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, how a doctor treats it will depend on the development of the pregnancy, the location of the embryo, and the severity of the symptoms.
2. Foods to eat after ectopic pregnancy surgery
2.1. Fiber supplementation
Adding fiber to your diet is crucial while recovering from ectopic pregnancy surgery. Not only is fiber-rich food better for your health compared to low-fiber foods, but it also plays an important role in preventing constipation, a common complication after surgery.
Constipation can not only be uncomfortable post-surgery but can also increase pain and the risk of needing to return to the hospital during recovery.
Here are some fiber-rich foods:
- Whole grain bread: Look for bread made with whole grains and a darker color. White bread is a processed product and is not a good source of fiber.
- Whole grains: Including corn, oatmeal, and other whole grains. Not all cereals are high in fiber. Check labels to avoid cereals with sugar or low fiber content. Look for cereals that mention fiber in the name or choose old-fashioned breakfast items like oatmeal or wheat bran.
- Fruits: Fresh fruit is an excellent source of vitamins and fiber.
- Vegetables: Vegetables are a great source of fiber. You can buy them fresh or frozen.
2.2. Eat fresh fish
Fish is a food rich in protein, low in fat, and offers numerous health benefits. In particular, white fish has lower fat content than any other animal protein source. Oily fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, known as "good fats." Since the human body cannot produce a significant amount of these essential nutrients, fish is an important part of the diet. Furthermore, fish contains less of the "bad fats" typically found in red meat, called omega-6 fatty acids.
2.3. Chicken
After ectopic pregnancy surgery, women may feel tired, weak, and possibly depressed. This can affect sleep, so patients need peace and quiet. Chicken contains a lot of the amino acid tryptophan, which acts as a sedative to help the nervous system function well and ensure deep, restful sleep. Additionally, chicken contains vitamin B6, which impacts metabolism in the body.
2.4. Egg yolk
Egg yolk contains a certain amount of fat that helps regulate cholesterol, preventing the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood and promoting the elimination of cholesterol from the body.
Moreover, egg yolk contains protein and vitamins, making it very beneficial for women post-surgery.
2.5. Milk
Women who have undergone ectopic pregnancy surgery need to supplement with milk because it contains essential nutrients such as protein, sugars, lipids, potassium, and vitamins.
Drink pasteurized milk, as it can help prevent infection and aid in the healing of the surgical wound.
3. Foods to avoid after laparoscopic ectopic pregnancy surgery
3.1. Sticky rice, water spinach, egg whites, and shrimp
These foods should be avoided after surgery because they can cause inflammation, swelling, and pus formation in the surgical wound. They may also lead to scarring, and if you have poor skin healing, they can cause raised scars, affecting the aesthetic appearance.
3.2. Cold-inducing foods such as crab, snails, buffalo meat, and turtles
These foods have an inhibitory effect on blood coagulation, which can interfere with the blood clotting process after laparoscopic surgery and delay wound healing.
3.3. Beans and soy milk
For healthy individuals, beans and bean-based products offer significant nutritional benefits, especially after surgery. However, women post-ectopic pregnancy surgery should avoid these foods because beans contain phytates, which hinder the body's ability to absorb iron and affect the blood regeneration process.
3.4. Ginger
Ginger contains components that can cause uterine contractions, leading to friction in the uterus. Specifically, consuming ginger can easily cause bleeding, so women post-ectopic pregnancy surgery should avoid it in their food.
3.5. Stimulants and hot foods
Alcohol, beer, and coffee are stimulants harmful to the liver and lungs. For women after surgery, these substances can affect health, prolong recovery, and cause the surgical wound to swell, become infected, or scar.
4. Lifestyle after ectopic pregnancy surgery
4.1. Limit heavy work and movement
After surgery, a woman's body needs time to recover. Therefore, it's essential to limit movement and avoid heavy work, such as climbing stairs, running, or lifting. In the first two weeks after surgery, rest gently without walking or engaging in physical exercise.
4.2. Avoid getting cold
Do not use cold water too soon after surgery as it can cause the surgical wound to tighten and become cold, leading to infections, fever, or colds. Use warm water to clean your body gently and carefully.
4.3. Avoid sexual intercourse
Ectopic pregnancy surgery affects the uterus, so sexual intercourse should be avoided for about 4 to 6 months to allow the wound to heal. After 4 to 6 months, contraception should be used to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous condition if not diagnosed and treated promptly. If you experience this condition, it’s crucial to seek specialized medical care as soon as possible for timely treatment.
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