Ectopic Pregnancy

When a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, an ectopic pregnancy occurs. This type of pregnancy can also be referred to as tubal pregnancies because most of the time the egg becomes entrapped within the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancies can cause severe harm to the expectant mother because these areas are not sufficient to grow and nurture a fetus. When the fetus begins to grow, the organ can expand to the point of bursting, which can lead to severe internal trauma.

Unfortunately, ectopic pregnancies are very hard to diagnose because the symptoms are so similar to those of a normal pregnancy. Usually, pain is the first symptom to signal that something is not right. This pain can occur in the pelvis, abdomen or even your shoulders or neck. Additionally, vaginal spotting, dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure and lower back pain can also signal an ectopic pregnancy.

The causes for ectopic pregnancy are attributed to the fact that the egg cannot work its way down the fallopian tube into the uterus quickly enough. Usually, this is because there is an infection of the tube that has partially or completely blocked it. A common infection that will cause an ectopic pregnancy is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID for short. Endometriosis can also cause tube blockages.

To diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, doctors will give you a urine test, a blood test, a pelvic exam and possibly a culdocentesis to check for internal bleeding. If you are diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, you will begin treatment either with a shot of methotrexate (if your pregnancy is in the early stages) or undergo surgery to have it removed.