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Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms
An ectopic pregnancy can be a very serious and scary ordeal. To have an ectopic pregnancy means that an egg has been fertilized outside of your uterus. They egg most likely has been lodged or blocked inside the fallopian tubes. It’s also commonly referred to as a tubal pregnancy. Ectopic means "out of place”. The egg can also implant in the ovary, abdomen, or the cervix, these are referred to as cervical or abdominal pregnancies.
These pregnancies are potentially life threatening to the mother because only your uterus has the growing space and nurturing tissue needed for a growing fetus.
How Can I Tell If I Have an Ectopic Pregnancy?
The symptoms of these pregnancies often seem similar to an early stage pregnancy. Things to watch for may include, missed periods, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, or frequent urination. But the biggest thing you want to watch for will be pain and bleeding. The pain will be sharp and stabbing. If you begin to feel pain in your pelvis and abdomen that is a key sign to make a doctors appointment right away. Sometimes you may even become dizzy and faint. Some women have had lower back pain during an ectopic pregnancy.
What are the Causes and Who is at Risk?
What are the Causes and Who is at Risk?
Occasionally a fertilized egg will not move down the fallopian tubes. It becomes blocked by inflammation, deformities or inflammation. The highest risk is for women who are between 35 and 44 years old and have had pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a previous ectopic pregnancy, surgery on a fallopian tube, infertility problems or medication to stimulate ovulation.
Uncommonly known is that some birth control can also increase your risk. Progesterone-only oral contraceptives, progesterone intrauterine devices (IUDs), or the morning-after pill are some of the contraceptives that cause ectopic pregnancies.
When Should I call My Doctor?
If you think you’re at risk for an ectopic pregnancy its best to discuss it with your doctor before you even become pregnant. There is little that can be done to prevent one but early detection is important. Your doctor will want to monitor your pregnancy with an ultrasound. Call your doctor immediately if you're pregnant and experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.
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