Symptoms Of An Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy happens when an otherwise typical fertilized egg ends up outside of the uterus, implanting itself in an unsafe area unintended to protect an ongoing pregnancy. These usually occur somewhere inside a fallopian tube, the part that transmits the egg to the uterus from the ovaries. When a fertilized egg implants inside the tube, it is known as a tubal pregnancy. However, it is possible for the egg to implant in the abdominal cavity, in the ovary, or further down. Unfortunately, ectopic pregnancies cannot survive. These are the symptoms to watch out for.

Nausea And Vomiting

Typically, a fertilized egg will implant and develop in the upper lining of the uterus. As we have noted, ectopic pregnancies result in an egg that has implanted in the fallopian tubes. It can be difficult to tell at first whether or not you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy because the symptoms are similar to a normal pregnancy, including nausea and vomiting. In the beginning, there will also be fatigue, tenderness, and a missed period. However, when nausea and vomiting are combined with vaginal bleeding, abdominal tenderness, or sharp abdominal pain, something may be wrong. It's a good idea for anyone considered high risk, such as those who have previously had an ectopic pregnancy, who have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, have undergone a previous tubal surgery, or who have an active IUD, to seek medical attention.

Get to know the next symptom now.

Sharp Cramps In The Abdomen

Because the areas where ectopic eggs end up have no room for growth compared to the uterus, they will burst once the embryo begins to get bigger. In most cases, an ectopic pregnancy is asymptomatic, with any symptoms that do appear seeming similar to a typical pregnancy. However, experiencing sharp cramps in the abdomen is a known symptom of an ectopic pregnancy, so it's always worth heading to the doctor. This type of pain may come on suddenly and may also come with nausea, or it could feel like a dull pain that begins mildly in intervals, especially when using the restroom, during energetic activity, or during a cough. You may also experience pain in the shoulder while laying down; this is another symptom that more specifically points towards an ectopic pregnancy. Shoulder pain appears to happen when internal bleeding has begun, so seek immediate help.

Keep reading to discover the next warning sign of an ectopic pregnancy now.