Ectopic Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
– Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy usually develop between the 4th and 12th weeks of pregnancy
– Main symptoms include missed period, positive pregnancy test, and other signs of pregnancy
– Vaginal bleeding during ectopic pregnancy may be watery and dark brown in color
– Tummy pain, typically low down on one side, can develop suddenly or gradually
– Shoulder tip pain, felt where the shoulder ends and the arm begins, can be a sign of internal bleeding in ectopic pregnancy
– Discomfort when going to the toilet, including pain or pressure in the bottom, pain when going for a pee, and diarrhea, may occur
– These symptoms may also be caused by urinary tract infections and stomach bugs, but medical advice should be sought if pregnant and experiencing these symptoms
– An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus.
– It most often occurs in a fallopian tube, but can also occur in other areas of the body such as the ovary, abdominal cavity, or the lower part of the uterus (cervix).
– If left untreated, it can cause life-threatening bleeding.