Commonly referred to as tubal pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy is where the pregnancy implants and starts to grow somewhere other than the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies are usually seen in the fallopian tubes. If this is diagnosed late, it can become a severe medical emergency and life threatening. Most ectopics are diagnosed by about eight weeks gestation.
The symptoms vary, but may present themselves as lower abdominal pain, usually starting with one side. The pain then becomes severe and diffused or widely scattered throughout the abdominal area. There may or may not be spotting or bleeding. Shoulder pain may be seen with some ectopics. The pregnancy requires surgery to remove the pregnancy. It cannot survive in the tube.
There are several predisposing factors that can increase your risk for getting an ectopic pregnancy. These include:
If you are concerned that you have an ectopic, call your doctor immediately. He or she may do an ultrasound to see where the pregnancy is located. If you cannot reach your doctor, go to the emergency room. The earlier the diagnosis, the better.