What is an ectopic pregnancy?
The ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilised egg attaches itself outside the cavity of the
uterus (womb). In most cases the ectopic pregnancies are found in the Fallopian tubes.
The ectopic pregnancy is not usually surviving and in most cases an embryo is not developed.
Usually the ectopic pregnancy is interrupting the development at certain period (kind of
miscarriage). The majority of women with ectopic pregnancy should be operated or treated with
medication.
What are the symptoms of the ectopic pregnancy?
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lower abdomen pain and/or |
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period delay and/or |
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bleeding from the vagina and/or |
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vaginal spotting and/or |
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positive pregnancy test and/or |
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dizziness or fainting (caused by blood loss) and/or |
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low blood pressure (also caused by blood loss). |
At first the ectopic pregnancy develops like a normal pregnancy and the same symptoms such
as nausea and tender breasts will be present. However, some women do not have these
symptoms and do not suspect that they might be pregnant.
The vaginal bleeding can vary from being slight or brown vaginal discharge to being like a
normal period.
If you are pregnant and have a long-lasting throbbing in one side of your lower abdomen or if
you experience sudden pain you should contact your doctor. This is important because an
ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening if it ruptures and causes internal bleeding.
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