Ectopic pregnancy is not a normal pregnancy, the sperms reach the egg in the fallopian tube, where fertilization occurs, and then, this fertilized egg travels on to reach the uterus and implants itself there to complete the gestation period. The fertilized egg fails to reach the uterus for the gestation period and instead implant itself anywhere outside uterus, like cervix, fallopian tube, abdominal cavity. In general, the fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tube.

Symptoms

Ectopic pregnancy is usually diagnosed around six weeks of pregnancy. Your spouse should consult her obstetrician if she has any of the following symptoms:

Pain or tenderness in the abdomen or pelvis, especially while coughing or moving bowels, and which may become more severe or chronic with time

Vaginal bleeding

Shoulder pain, especially while lying down

Lower abdominal pain, which increases over a period of time, accompanied by lower back pain

Shoulder pain, which occurs, as the fetus draws blood for its growth, hampers the functions of diaphragm.

Ectopic pregnancy symptoms can include vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and severe abdominal pain. Other ectopic pregnancy symptoms are quite similar to the normal signs of being pregnant. These include nausea or morning sickness, tiredness, a missed menstrual period, and breast tenderness. This can make diagnosis somewhat difficult.

If you have symptoms of bleeding and stomach pain, be sure to see your doctor immediately. They can determine if you have tubal pregnancy from a simple blood test or an ultrasound. The key is early detection. If it can be treated early on, then the risks to your health and future pregnancies are greatly reduced. By keeping yourself aware of the signs of ectopic pregnancy you can eliminate potential health risks.

Though in many cases, the causes are unknown, the most common factors that lead to the risk of Ectopic pregnancy symptoms are fallopian tube problems, which can be due to pelvic infections (sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease), intrauterine contraceptive devices, and endometriosis. Smoking, abdominal surgeries involving the reproductive system and several hormonal drugs like fertility drugs, contraceptive hormonal medication have also been associated with Ectopic pregnancies.

Slow rising hCG levels: Your doctor may run a quantitative hCG test in early pregnancy if you are having vaginal spotting or if he suspects ectopic pregnancy. Slow rising hCG levels can be an indicator of an ectopic pregnancy. During a normal pregnancy, hCG levels will double every two to three days in early pregnancy. With an ectopic pregnancy, hCG levels may rise but they tend to go up very slowly and not double like they should. If your hCG levels are low or not doubling your doctor may order more blood work or an ultrasound to rule out ectopic pregnancy or other complications.

Cramping: Mild cramping during early pregnancy is normal, but severe cramping or cramping accompanied with spotting, is not normal and could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Cramping may be on one side or may feel like menstrual cramps.

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