Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms - By: richardjames

Ectopic pregnancy symptoms start occurring when the egg is fertilized outside the uterus and the baby starts developing outside the womb. Most commonly, ectopic pregnancy occurs inside the fallopian tube, but in some cases, though quite rare, it occurs in the ovary or the stomach area. These are not normal kinds of pregnancies and should not be allowed to proceed further as they may cause permanent damage to the system.

The early signs of an ectopic pregnancy will be the same as that of a normal one, however, there could be also be other symptoms once the pregnancy develops a little more. Some of these symptoms are pain on one side of the abdomen, throbbing that lasts for a long time in the abdomen, fainting fits, pain in the lower abdomen, and vaginal bleeding. A very pointed sign is pain in the shoulder when lying down.

All of these are very serious and should not be taken lightly. If you have any of these symptoms be sure to talk to a physician immediately. In the doctors exam he/she will want to perform a pelvic exam to determine if your uterus is enlarged. The physician will also try to feel for a mass in the area of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This is usually where indications of a Ectopic pregnancy is discovered.

The reasons are unknown in many cases. Fallopian tube problems are the common factors. It can be due to intrauterine contraceptive devices, pelvic infections and endometriosis. It is also associated with many hormonal drugs like contraceptive hormonal medication, fertility drugs, abdominal surgeries including the reproductive system and smoking.

Cramping: Mild cramping during early pregnancy is normal, but severe cramping or cramping accompanied with spotting, is not normal and could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Cramping may be on one side or may feel like menstrual cramps.

This is a real emergency and you may not have much time to get medical help. Do not delay in calling 911 and never attempt to drive yourself if you experience this type of pain. You may go into shock and experience a weak or fast pulse. Your skin could become pale and clammy. You can get dizzy and find it hard to balance.

A urine pregnancy test will usually be positive but is not always apparent. However, a specialized hCG blood test will always show a positive result. If a pregnancy is ectopic, the womb will often be smaller than the average womb at
that stage of pregnancy and this will be detected during an internal pelvic examination.

Since most early pregnancy symptoms, missed periods, nausea and breast tenderness, also occur in ectopic pregnancies, these pregnancies can be difficult to detect. However, pain can be the first indication of a problem, and blood loss from the rupture of the implantation site also causes low blood pressure, dizziness or fainting. Some ectopic pregnancies present with lower back pain and sharp pain in the pelvis or abdomen.

Symptoms of shock, such as a weak, racing pulse, pale and clammy skin, or dizziness, which may indicate a ruptured tube that requires urgent attention.

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can include, but are not limited to: pain in the lower abdomen when there is a chance of pregnancy, shoulder pain from diaphragm irritation that is caused by internal bleeding, painful bowel movements, abnormal bleeding, low blood pressure and fainting.

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