Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic Pregnancy
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy which has implanted outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. This usually occurs because of damage in the tube which then blocks the passage of the egg down to the uterus. Very rarely the fertilized egg sometimes implants itself in the ovary, the abdominal cavity or the cervix.
Women who have a increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
- Women who have had a previous ectopic pregnancy
- Women who have had abdominal or fallopian tube surgery and scarring is present
- Women who have suffered from a pelvic inflammatory disease caused by a STD
- Women who have been surgically sterilized or unsuccessfully sterilized
- Women who conceive whilst an IUD (contraceptive coil) is in place
- Women suffering from endometriosis
Although ectopic pregnancy is very rare it is important for pregnant women, especially those with an increased risk to be aware of the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and seek urgent medical attention if an ectopic pregnancy is suspected. Women may experience one or all of the following symptoms:
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy
- Sharp, crampy pain with tenderness usually starting on one side of the abdomen and sometimes radiating throughout the entire abdomen. Pain may increase when coughing, moving or straining of the bowels. Pain becomes very sharp and steady before diffusing throughout the pelvic region when a tubal rupture occurs.
- Light bleeding or brown vaginal spotting which can occur days or weeks before any pain is experienced. Some women do not experience any bleeding until the tube ruptures
- When the tube ruptures heavy vaginal bleeding is experienced
- Some women suffer with shoulder pain
- Some women have a feeling of rectal pressure
- Some women experience weakness or dizziness.When a tube ruptures a weak pulse, clammy skin and fainting are likely
- Some women experience nausea and vomiting but this can be difficult to distinguish from morning sickness
Quick medical attention often results in the fallopian tube being saved and infertility in a woman being avoided so getting to hospital immediately is very important.
Healthy mum - ectopic pregnancy
