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Ectopic Pregnancy

Written by Jane Carrasco

problems with pregnancy

 

What Are The Signs Of An Ectopic Pregnancy?

 

In a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg nestles into the uterine lining where it has plenty of room to grow. About 1% of pregnancies are in an ectopic location with embryo implantation occurring outside of the womb, usually in the lining of the fallopian tube. However, the embryo can also be implanted in the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity.


The first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are often pelvis or abdomen pain, and vaginal bleeding. Most women describe the pain as sharp and stabbing, concentrating on one side of the pelvis. The pains may come and go or vary in intensity.

ectopic pregnancy

 


An ectopic pregnancy may be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are so similar to those of a normal, early pregnancy. Symptoms include:


* frequent urination
* vomiting
* nausea
* breast tenderness
* missed periods
* vaginal spotting
* dizziness or fainting (caused by blood loss)
* low blood pressure (also caused by blood loss)
* lower back pain
* severe bleeding

 

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The causes of ectopic pregnancy are unknown. After fertilization, the egg takes about 6 days to migrate down the tube to the uterine cavity where it is supposed to implant. The fetus produces enzymes that allow it to implant in varied types of tissues. Wherever the embryo finds itself at that time (6 days), it will begin to implant in it's efforts to reach a sufficient supply of blood.

 

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Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can be caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia, or endometriosis, when cells from the lining of the uterus implant and grow elsewhere in the body, are common causes of blockage of the fallopian tube. More rarely, birth defects or abnormal growths can alter the shape of the tube and disrupt the egg's progress.



If left untreated, about half of ectopic pregnancies will self resolve. Surgical intervention is required in cases where the tube has ruptured or is in danger of rupturing. This procedure may be laparoscopic or through a larger incision, known as a laparotomy.

 

 

 

Disclaimer
The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The content provided is intended strictly for informational purposes to help patient understanding of medical terms and conditions.

 

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