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.

3.416665
Average: 3.4 (36 votes)
 

8 comments

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

Sign in to leave a comment!

Today on JustMommies

Biddy Belly Giveaway (Sponsored)

Hello JM mommies and mommies-to-be! We have a really great giveaway to tell you about. Robin Tacchetti, a Physical Therapist and mom of three, created the Biddy Belly...

Honda Helps Staten Island Little League Team after Devastating Hurricane (Sponsored)

The furious winds of Hurricane Sandy have long since subsided, but the devastation in Staten Island is still a reality for many families. That's why Honda, a longtime supporter of Little Leagues, decided to give $50,000 to Staten Island's Little League...

Article Tools

P

From the Message Boards

Trying to Conceive

I poas….

So, I took a Target brand test tonight after a 4 hour hold. I can't tell if it's the start of a :bfp...

Trying to Conceive

Anyone watch Duck Dynasty??

Totally off topic BTW.... That's me and my DH on our little road trip....we HAD to stop and take a p...

Trying to Conceive

Show Me.......

Time for our new version of getting to know each other and getting a glimpse into each other's lives...

Trying to Conceive

TEST pic

Ok, I know yall probably think I'm crazy by now...but does anyone see what I've been obsessing over...

Baby Names

Boy name suggestions

I know I'm still really early but I like to get names picked and out of the way. We have decided on...

» Check out the friendliest message board for moms and moms-to-be!