Ectopic Pregnancy: What Are Its Symptoms?
Normally, after an egg is fertilised at conception
, it embeds itself in the inner lining of the womb. But sometimes in about 1 in 80 pregnancies it finds its way elsewhere. It is usually in the fallopian tube, or occasionally in the abdomen, cervix or ovaries. This is an ectopic pregnancy - ectopic means out of place.
What happens next?
The embryo cannot survive. The focus becomes removal of the embryo while ensuring the health of the mother. Medical intervention is often not needed as there will be a spontaneous miscarriage, or the pregnancy can be terminated through medication or surgery. If however the fallopian tube ruptures, internal bleeding can result which could prove dangerous or even fatal to the mother.
If there are ectopic pregnancy symptoms and an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, a blood test will assess levels of HCG, the hormone produced in pregnancy. A low count indicates an ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound test will then determine the location of the embryo. If necessary, the fallopian tube or embryo is removed through laparoscopic surgery. If the fallopian tube is ruptured, its removal will be considered an emergency.
What are the ectopic pregnancy symptoms?
A woman may not have any ectopic pregnancy symptoms: an early scan or rupture of the fallopian tube may be the first indication.
However there are symptoms which all pregnant women should be aware of as possibly indicating an ectopic pregnancy. They usually occur between week five and 14. They include:
* strong and persistent pain on one side of the abdomen
* shoulder pain when lying in bed, which may indicate internal bleeding (this may be a referred pain from an affected nerve in the diaphragm)
* intermittent bright/dark red vaginal bleeding
* diarrhoea, vomiting, pain when passing urine or stools
* most seriously, a sensation of faintness and light-headedness, looking pale or having increased heart rate can be symptoms of a ruptured fallopian tube, called collapse, which needs immediate medical attention
Although these symptoms may be harmless, its wise to be aware that they could possibly be ectopic pregnancy symptoms.
Why does it happen?
The cause is rarely clear. However these factors appear to make an ectopic pregnancy more likely:
* infection (in the womb, fallopian tubes or ovaries) or inflammation of the fallopian tubes
* fertility drugs
* abnormally shaped fallopian tube (natural or caused by surgery)
* above-average age for pregnancy
* previous sexually-transmitted disease
In addition, if a woman has experienced one ectopic pregnancy, she has a one-in-ten risk of its recurrence at a future pregnancy.
(Source: http://www.zimbio.com/Pregnancy/articles/46iTbX0lwsz/Ectopic+pregnancy+symptoms?add=True)
by: Debra Aspinall
How Ultraviolet Air Cleaners Improve Indoor Air Quality How To Know If You Need Radon Mitigation Knowing The Facts Of Periodontal Disease Having A Heated Garage Ways To Decorate A 3-ring Binder Led Tv- Get One Today Do You Find Plumbing Complicated? Use This Advice All About The Non 12 Step Rehab Program Floor Screed Flattens Problematic Floors Benefits Of Maintaining Agenda Diaries Tips To Choose Carpet Wash System Featured With Quick Drying Times Jatropha Extraction A Useful Source Bio-fuel South Beach Smoke - Enjoy Smoking Without Worrying About The Consequences