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Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Ectopic pregnancy, also referred to as a tubal pregnancy, occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the endometrial lining of the uterus. It is believed that the egg, once fertilized, is slowed or passage to the uterus blocked. Therefore, the fertilized ovum implants prior to reaching the uterus. Implantation can occur in the fallopian tubes, abdomen, ovaries, or other areas outside of the uterus.

Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms

Below is a list of symptoms of ectopic pregnancy:

sharp, one sided pain
cramping on one side
low abdominal pain
low back pain
bleeding
dizziness
nausea
shoulder pain

Ectopic Pregnancy Causes

Several factors can contribute to your chances of having an ectopic pregnancy. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, PID, is one of the leading contributing factors to developing an ectopic pregnancy. Other possible causes of ectopic pregnancy include previous tubal surgery (including a tubal ligation), endometriosis, IUD, progesterone only birth control pills, congenital abnormalities of the fallopian tubes, and smoking. Women who's mothers took the medication DES (diethlystilbestol) during pregnancy are also at greater risk for developing an ectopic pregnancy.

Diagnosing an Ectopic Pregnancy

Your doctor will likely run blood tests including HCG levels and may perform an ultrasound as well. HCG levels are lower and do not double within 48-72 hours as they would during a normal pregnancy. HCG levels may sometimes rise, but they will rise very slowly. Ultrasound may be helpful in determining the location of pregnancy.

Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment

If the ectopic pregnancy has not ruptured and is below 3.5 cm in size the drug methotrexate may be used. Methotrexate is given by injection and can be used to induce miscarriage. Methotrexate works by stopping the growth of rapidly dividing cells such as in pregnancy. If there is a risk of rupture, surgery will be needed. A laparotomy is usually performed. This involved cutting a small incision into the abdomen and removing the fertilized egg and tissue.

Concerns and Complications

Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss

Trying to Conceive After Loss

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

hCG

miscarriage

moms

pregnant

tubal pregnancy

8 comments

Most recent See All

By rupal on 08/24/12 at 11:33 pm

My friend had ectopic and then had a miscarriage last month. should she need any advices so that it should not happen again.

By CATFULFORD on 03/27/12 at 3:59 pm

I had an ectopic pregnancy about 6 months ago. i had no symptoms til it ruptured. i was internally bleeding and i had to have surgery to remove my left ...

By mom to be for sixth time on 03/30/11 at 10:19 pm

I had ectopic one side then two mc and now am bleeding again
What can I do?

8 comments so far » read more

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