Signs Of Ectopic Pregnancy
An Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside a woman’s uterus. This happens when the fertilized egg does not implant itself in the fallopian tube. So it is also called a tubal pregnancy. The ectopic pregnancy is a potential medical emergency, and if not treated properly,can lead to death. The most common place where this ectopic pregnancy occurs is in one of the fallopian tube. This is a tube which transfers the egg from the ovary to uterus.
An ectopic pregnancy can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of normal pregnancy. Early signs are either absent or subtle. These can include vomiting, nausea, breast tenderness, frequent urination, or missed periods.
Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms
The most common symptoms are:
• Pain and discomfort, usually mild. This is also an early sign of normal pregnancy.
• Vaginal bleeding, usually mild. This symptom is indistinguishable from an early miscarriage or implantation bleeding of a normal early pregnancy.
• A late period.
• A positive pregnancy test.
• Fainting and dizziness.
• Shoulder pain.
• Bladder or bowel pain.
• Feeling a sharp and stabbing pain, especially in your abdomen, is a big warning sign that you may be having ectopic pregnancy.
• When you have confirmed pregnancy, the doctors recommend a blood test to measure your levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Based on thelast date of your menstrual period and length of pregnancy, an appropriate level of hCG can be assumed. In an ectopic pregnancy the hCG levels don’t rise as quickly as in a normal pregnancy. So if your blood reports show your hCG levels are lower than they should be, there is a high possibility you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. See also HCG levels during pregnancy
• Since it is hard to visually detect any pregnancy before six weeks, if you suspect you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy early on, you may monitor your hCG level until you reach six weeks. If your hCG levels are still not rising as they should be, an ultrasound can be utilized to determine the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy.
Identifying the early signs of ectopic pregnancy can not only decrease your risk of scarring future fertility problems, it may also save your life. It is important to receive the treatment for ectopic pregnancy as soon as possible. If left untreated, it can result in the mother’s death.
If you experience a combination of any of these symptoms, take an appointment with your health care provider and ask them to test you for an ectopic pregnancy.
Submitted by N on June 4, 2010 at 05:50