What is the first sign of an ectopic pregnancy?
What is the first sign of an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. Pregnancy begins with a fertilized egg. Normally, the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.
An ectopic pregnancy most often happens in a fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This type of ectopic pregnancy is called a tubal pregnancy.
Early warning of ectopic pregnancy
Often, the first warning sign of an ectopic pregnancy is pelvic pain. Light vaginal bleeding may also happen.
If blood leaks from the fallopian tube, you may feel increasing abdominal pain, an urge to have a bowel movement or pelvic discomfort. If heavy bleeding (hemorrhaging) happens, you may feel shoulder pain as blood fills your pelvis and abdomen. Your specific symptoms depend on where the blood collects and which nerves are irritated.
Symptoms
At first, you may not have any symptoms of early ectopic pregnancy. They may seem very like a normal pregnancy. You might miss your period and have discomfort in your belly and tenderness in your breasts.
Only about half of women with an ectopic pregnancy will have all three of the main signs: a missed period, vaginal bleeding, and belly pain.
Risk factors
Some things that make you more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy are:
Previous ectopic pregnancy– If you’ve had this type of pregnancy before, you’re more likely to have another.
Inflammation or infection-Sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, can reason inflammation in the tubes and other nearby organs, and raise your risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
Fertility treatments-Some research suggests that women who have in vitro fertilization (IVF) or like treatments are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy. Infertility itself may also raise your risk.
Tubal surgery- Surgery to correct a closed or damaged fallopian tube can raise the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.