Symptoms Of Ectopic Pregnancy - And What It Means

All women need to be aware of the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, whether trying to get pregnant or not. Maybe you have the symptoms, but aren't sure what an ectopic pregnancy means? Here I will cover all of the basics. Seeing as this is a very serious condition, if you think you may be suffering with ectopic pregnancy symptoms, see your doctor immediately. If you can't get to your doctor, then go to your nearest hospital.

Lets look at some symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

• You may have no symptoms at all, and this is obviously the hardest to diagnose. So if you have had previous ectopic pregnancies, you will more than likely be offered a scan to determine that the pregnancy is in the uterus, and nowhere else.

• Your period may be late leading you to suspect that you are pregnant.

• You may experience pregnancy symptoms, like nausea, sore breasts, or a swollen abdomen but with no bleeding.

• You may have taken a positive pregnancy test, although you may need a blood test from a doctor to confirm this.

• You may feel pain in one side of your abdomen. This can be quite severe, and it may not be on the side of the ectopic.

• You may have vaginal bleeding, this may not be like a period. Ectopic bleeding is described as being watery and quite dark, rather like 'prune juice'

• You may have pain when going to the loo. Either to wee, or a bowel movement.

• You could feel light headed or even faint. You may look ill and pale and experience sickness and diarrhoea. Your blood pressure could fall, and your pulse may increase.

So what is an ectopic pregnancy?

Who is at risk from ectopic pregnancy?

• If you get pregnant while taking the mini pill (contraceptive pill)

• If you get pregnant while you are using the contraceptive coil.

  If you have had, or have now, any pelvic inflammatory disease. The fallopian tubes are so delicate that inflammation can cause problems with the normal function, leading to the egg implanting in the wrong place.

• If you have had surgery to the fallopian tubes.

• If you get pregnant by IVF. Even though the eggs are put into the uterus, the fertilized egg may not implant there.

So you've got symptoms of ectopic pegnancy - What happens next?

• If you have symptoms, the next step is seeing your doctor. He will test for pregnancy, a urine test may show a weak positive. If there is any doubt, your doctor will test your blood, which will always appear a positive test in ectopic pregnancy.

• If you are having an ectopic pregnancy, the doctor may do an internal pelvic examination. This way he can check if your uterus is smaller than it should be for number of weeks pregnant you are.

• An ultrasound can tell the difference between an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or a normal pregnancy.

Take a look at what Ectopic pregnancy treatment is available.

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