Eptopic Pregnancy Symptoms

By Brandi

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs when a fertilized egg settles and grows in any location outside of the inner lining of the uterus. In 95 percent of ectopic pregnancies, the egg grows in the fallopian tube, but can also grow in the ovaries, cervix and abdominal cavities. These pregnancies result when a fertilized egg isn't able to make it through a fallopian tube to the uterus.

Significance
According to Medicinenet.com, about 1 in 60 pregnant women will have an ectopic pregnancy in their lifetime. These types of pregnancies tend to occur in women between the ages of 35 and 44. One of the major concerns with an ectopic pregnancy is internal bleeding. Extreme pain is generally the first sign that a woman may be experiencing this type of pregnancy.

Theories/Speculation
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), symptoms of ectopic pregnancies include abnormal vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, low back pain, nausea, mild cramping on one side of the pelvis, pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area and amenorrhea (absence of the menstrual period). If the pregnancy ruptures and bleeds, symptoms can worsen according to the NLM and cause severe and sharp pains in the lower abdomen, fainting, and severe pain in the shoulders.

Effects
Shock, as a result of internal bleeding, can also be one of the first symptoms of ectopic pregnancies according to the NLM. Shock occurs when the body doesn't get enough blood flow. It can damage multiple organs and can be life-threatening. According to the NLM, this condition occurs in about 20 percent of women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancies.

Prevention/Solution
There are a variety of causes and risk factors associated with ectopic pregnancies. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which partially or fully blocks the fallopian tube, surgery on or near the fallopian tube, a previous ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, repeated abortions, a history of infertility problems, taking medications to increase the chance of ovulation and an abnormal fallopian tube can all pose a risk for ectopic pregnancies, according to Medicinenet.com.

Identification
Ectopic pregnancies can be diagnosed by a pelvic exam, which tests for pain, tenderness and mass in the abdomen. In addition, pregnant women can also have their HCG levels tested. This hormone doubles every two days in the first ten weeks of a normal pregnancy. However, in women who have ectopic pregnancies, this hormone level appears to be lower than normal.

Potential
If a fallopian tube remains intact throughout the pregnancy, there is a 50 percent chance that an ectopic pregnancy will be successful. However if the fallopian tube is removed, there is less than a 50 percent chance that the baby will survive.