Ectopic pregnancy: signs and symptoms

An ectopic or tubal pregnancy is a pregnancy in which the fertilised egg implants outside of the uterine cavity. The egg will usually implant in the fallopian tube, but other ectopic pregnancies include implantation in the ovaries, the cervix and the horns of the uterus. Unfortunately, ectopic pregnancies have become more common since the mid-1980s as a result of the rising incidence of STDs which can cause scarring to the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancies are diagnosed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, more often than not between week 6 and week 8 and early detection is best. Ectopic pregnancies are very dangerous for the mother as they can rupture the fallopian tube, cause infertility and possibly result in death, so we thought it would be best to give you a list of the signs and symptoms associated with ectopic pregnancies so you can be aware of them.

Symptoms:

• Cramps and/or lower back pain
• tenderness in lower abdomen
• Bleeding or brown spotting
• Shoulder pain
• weakness, dizziness or fainting
• nausea and/or vomiting
• low blood pressure

Am I at risk for an ectopic pregnancy?

How are ectopic pregnancies diagnosed?

How are ectopic pregnancies treated?