Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms

Ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous condition that can lead to death and damaged reproductive organs. Separating normal symptoms of pregnancy from potentially more serious ones is something all women should know. Read more to learn about ectopic pregnancy symptoms.

Is this normal?

A normal pregnancy implants inside the uterus or womb. The embryo burrows into the blood-rich lining of the uterus. A placenta is formed, and the embryo continues to grow for nine months until a baby is born. With ectopic pregnancies, the dividing embryo implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. Other locations of implantation include the cervix and rarely the abdomen. Symptoms of pregnancy are normally the same, with a missed period, sore breasts and nausea. It is often several weeks before a woman knows anything is wrong. An ultrasound showing an empty uterus after six weeks or unusual symptoms are often the first herald that there is a problem.

Symptoms

Unusual cramping, often to one side low in the belly, is one sign. Another is the appearance of brown staining or bleeding from the vagina. As the tube nears rupture from the growing embryo, there is often shoulder pain caused by blood escaping into the abdominal cavity. Fainting or lightheaded sensations also occur. After presenting these symptoms to a doctor, a diagnosis is made using ultrasound and separate readings of beta HCG in the blood. Once confirmed, the usual treatment is surgery to prevent tubal rupture or treatment with Methotrexate, a drug used in cancer patients to kill fast dividing cells.

Armed with the knowledge detailed above, a woman can prevent damage to her reproductive organs and death. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help women head off danger in pregnancy and educate them about their bodies.