Ectopic pregnancy is a complication of pregnancy wherein the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity usually in the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancy may be asymptomatic until the 7^th week of gestation. Although the pregnant woman may still have the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea and vomiting, a missed period and a positive pregnancy test.

The earliest sign can be mild cramping or a one sided abdominal pain. Pressure within the fallopian tube caused by the growing embryo may cause sharp, stabbing pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis. The stabbing pain is quickly followed by scant vaginal spotting. The woman could see small spots of blood in her underwear.  

After some time, the embryo will be large enough to obstruct the slender fallopian tubes. The obstruction of the tube causes rupture of blood vessels inside and results to bleeding. The extent of bleeding that occurs depends on the number and the size of ruptured blood vessels.

In extreme cases, pain can reach your shoulders and neck. This happens when blood builds up from the ruptured vessels and causes irritation to the nerves

Call your doctor immediately if you’re feeling dizzy, if you’re sweating and feel cold and clammy, or you have intense pelvic pain or profuse bleeding. This may indicate a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and can be considered a medical emergency.

Treatment will vary depending on the medical stability of the pregnant woman and the size and location of the pregnancy.

Routine ultrasound can be done to verify obstruction. If the pregnancy is still in its early stages, the physician may recommend the injection of methotrexate to stop the growth of the embryo. If the pregnancy is further along, surgery is often recommended to remove the abnormal pregnancy. There are some surgical procedures that may be less invasive than traditional surgery such as laparoscopy. It only requires small incisions on the abdomen where the doctor will insert a tiny camera and surgical equipments.

After surgery, the doctor will have to schedule for follow ups. This is to ensure that the hCG  in the body will return to zero level. A trace or increase in hCG may indicate that some ectopic tissue was missed and additional surgery or methotrexate injection may be required.

Are You At Risk?

Your chances of having an ectopic pregnancy may depend on your age. Women who get pregnant at the age of 35 and above are high risk for ectopic pregnancy. If you have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a previous ectopic pregnancy, surgery on the fallopian tubes and infertility problems, these may also predispose you to ectopic pregnancy.

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