Pregnancy is a roller coaster ride and not completely free of complications. Ectopic pregnancy is a ...

Learn when ectopic pregnancy symptoms usually start and the risk factors associated with this condition. Early detection and treatment are crucial, so it's important to be aware of the signs and seek medical advice immediately if experiencing any sym

Ectopic Pregnancy - Symptoms & Detection

When Do Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms Start?

IntroductionNormal pregnancy happens when the egg is fertilised and attached to the internal linin...

Read this article to know more about how to detect ectopic pregnancy early with its causes & treatments at MyloFamily

How to detect ectopic pregnancy early? | MyloFamily

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How to Detect Ectopic Pregnancy Early

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<p>Pregnancy is a roller coaster ride and not completely free of complications. Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that occurs when the fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. It can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. One of the key factors in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy is recognizing its symptoms. But when do they typically start?</p>

<p>In this article, we&#39;ll explore the timeline of ectopic pregnancy symptoms, including how they differ from normal pregnancy symptoms and what to watch out for.</p>

<h2><strong>When Do Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms Usually Start?</strong></h2>

<p>A ruptured <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/what-is-ectopic-pregnancy---symptoms-causes-treatment-prevention-how-to-detect-it-153362">ectopic pregnancy</a> is one of the prominent causes of maternal mortality during the first trimester and is responsible for 10 to 15% of maternal mortality. Diagnosing ectopic pregnancy during early pregnancy is challenging, but advanced technology has made it possible. Ectopic pregnancy symptoms typically start between the 4th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. </p>

<p>However, some women may not experience any symptoms at first, while others may not realize they have an ectopic pregnancy until they have an early scan. When the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy start, it is important to get tests done to confirm if the pregnancy is ectopic or not. One advanced technology during early pregnancy that helps detect ectopic pregnancy is the determination of serum beta-subunit <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/blood-beta-hcg-test-what-is-it-levels-how-to-read-it-106915?">human chorionic gonadotropin levels</a>.</p>

<p style="text-align:center"><iframe frameborder="0" height="167" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CoRoVW23b_A" title="YouTube video player" width="315"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>What Are the Early Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?</strong></h2>

<p>We know when do ectopic pregnancy symptoms start, but it is not easy to identify initially if the symptoms are of normal or ectopic pregnancy. The symptoms mostly occur after seven weeks of <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/amenorrhea-meaning-sypmtoms-causes-194620?">amenorrhea</a>, and diagnosis is difficult. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Vaginal bleeding (which may be different from a regular period)</li>
	<li>Sharp lateral abdominal pain and cramps</li>
	<li>Dizziness and weakness</li>
	<li>Pain around the shoulder, neck, or rectum area</li>
	<li>Shoulder tip pain (unusual pain felt where shoulder ends and arm begins)</li>
	<li>Nausea and vomiting</li>
</ul>

<p>The diagnosis is difficult in case the condition is confused with <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/miscarriage-during-early-pregnancy-causes-symptoms-how-to-avoid-155203?">miscarriage</a>, ovarian accident, and pelvic inflammatory disease. In most cases, the abdominal pain is sharp and lateral. As soon as there is abnormal bleeding and extreme pelvic pain, it is important to reach out to your doctor immediately.</p>

<p>However, if the fallopian tube ruptures, it is likely to cause extreme symptoms, which might even cause maternal death if not provided medical attention immediately. A ruptured fallopian tube is life-threatening as it can cause internal bleeding. As the ectopic pregnancy grows, it eventually leads to rupturing of the fallopian tubes causing symptoms such as:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Pain in the rectum or intense bowel movement is a sign of possible internal bleeding, which might be caused due to tube rupture.</li>
	<li>Sharp pain in the shoulder is also an indication of an emergency. The bursting of the fallopian tube leads to an accumulation of blood near the diaphragm area and irritates nerves running to the shoulder.</li>
	<li>Dizziness and light-headedness are signs of severe complications caused by an ectopic pregnancy.</li>
</ul>

<h2><strong>Risk Factors Associated with Ectopic Pregnancy </strong></h2>

<p>While the cause of ectopic pregnancy is not always clear, there are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Some of the most common risk factors associated with ectopic pregnancy are:</p>

<h3><strong>1. Previous ectopic pregnancy</strong></h3>

<p>Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past are at a higher risk of having another one.</p>

<h3><strong>2. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)</strong></h3>

<p>PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs and can cause scarring in the fallopian tubes, which can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.</p>

<h3><strong>3. In vitro fertilization (IVF)</strong></h3>

<p>Women who conceive through <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/in-vitro-fertilization--the-process-why-is-it-needed-180555">IVF</a> are at a slightly higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.</p>

<h3><strong>4. <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/things-you-need-to-know-about-endometriosis-cyst-and-pregnancy-35202">Endometriosis</a></strong></h3>

<p>This is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, which can cause scarring and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.</p>

<h3><strong>5. Smoking</strong></h3>

<p>Smoking can damage the fallopian tubes and reduce the chances of a fertilized egg implanting in the uterus, which can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.</p>

<h3><strong>6. Age</strong></h3>

<p>Women over the age of 35 are at a slightly higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.</p>

<p>It&#39;s important to note that many women who develop ectopic pregnancy do not have any of these risk factors. If experiencing any symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, it&#39;s essential to seek medical advice immediately.</p>

<h2><strong>Detecting Ectopic Pregnancy During First Trimester </strong></h2>

<p>It is not easy to detect or identify symptoms of ectopic pregnancy unless it becomes quite severe. However, advanced ultrasound methods and technology help in identifying ectopic pregnancy during the first trimester:</p>

<h3><strong>1. Use of &beta;-human chorionic gonadotropin measurement</strong></h3>

<p>Pregnancy is confirmed by determining the concentration of &beta;-human chorionic gonadotropin in the serum or urine. Although it is not a definitive test for detecting ectopic pregnancy, low &beta;-hCG concentration often indicates the possibility of ectopic pregnancy.</p>

<h3><strong>2. Transvaginal ultrasound</strong></h3>

<p>This advanced <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/how-to-read-ultrasound-report-of-pregnancy-167715">ultrasound</a> allows the doctor to see the lower abdomen, which helps identify and find the embryo&#39;s location. The pelvic ultrasound use high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs, which help the doctor identify any abnormalities. It creates an image of organs like the uterus, fallopian tube, ovaries, vagina, etc., hence pinpointing the embryo&#39;s exact location.</p>

<p>You may like: <a href="https://mylofamily.com//article/how-to-detect-ectopic-pregnancy-early-163386">How to Detect Ectopic Pregnancy Early (mylofamily.com)</a></p>

<h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>

<p>Ectopic pregnancy is one of the major contributors to maternal death, mostly when not identified timely and in case of the rupturing of fallopian tube. Identifying the early symptoms and getting a test done during the trimester is the easiest way to prevent any life-threatening consequences. As the ectopic pregnancy symptoms start showing between 2 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, it is important to check for any symptoms, pains and discomfort during the first trimester.</p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px">References:</span></p>

<p>1. Tian Zhu. (2010). Ectopic Pregnancy. embryo.asu.edu</p>

<p>2. Tay JI, Moore J, Walker JJ. (2000). Ectopic pregnancy. NCBI</p>

<p>3. Kumar V, Gupta J. (2015). Tubal ectopic pregnancy. NCBI</p>

<p> </p>

<p> </p>


<h2><strong>Introduction</strong></h2>

<p>Normal pregnancy happens when the egg is fertilised and attached to the internal linings of the uterus. However, in certain rare cases, the egg is fertilised and attached to the outer cavity or wall of the uterus. This condition is known as ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a rare condition, with fewer than a million cases annually in India. However, it can still lead to many complications that might harm the rest of the organs. This article will read about the causes of ectopic pregnancy, how to detect ectopic pregnancy early, and its treatment.</p>

<p>Ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilised egg gets attached to the outer wall cavity of the uterus. There are several causes of ectopic pregnancy, which are mentioned below:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Hormonal imbalance in the body.</li>
	<li>Same to the fallopian tube.</li>
	<li>Inflammation of the uterus due to infection or injury.</li>
	<li>Sexually transmitted diseases.</li>
	<li>Abnormal development of the egg.</li>
</ul>

<h2><strong>The Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy</strong></h2>

<p>Ectopic pregnancy seldom shows any major symptoms. Women suffering from ectopic pregnancy show the same symptoms of a normal pregnancy like missing periods, positive pregnancy tests, nausea, etc. However, as the fertilised egg grows on the outer cavity lining of the uterus, the symptoms become more prominent. The early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Vaginal bleeding</li>
	<li>Pelvic pain</li>
	<li>Shoulder pain due to the bleeding from the fallopian tube</li>
	<li>More urge for a bowel movement.</li>
</ul>

<p>If the ectopic pregnancy is left untreated, the symptoms may worsen, and it will severely impact the other organs. Certain emergency symptoms of ectopic pregnancy indicate that the condition has worsened, and you need to visit the doctor as soon as possible. These emergency symptoms will help you to detect ectopic pregnancy early:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Heavy bleeding inside the abdomen due to the rupture of the fallopian tube</li>
	<li>Light headedness</li>
	<li>Fainting and shock.</li>
</ul>

<h2><strong>How Early to Detect Ectopic Pregnancy</strong></h2>

<p>If your pregnancy test returns positive and you undergo any one of the following symptoms, you must visit a doctor for further diagnosis and course of treatment.</p>

<ul>
	<li>Shoulder pain</li>
	<li>Pelvic pain</li>
	<li>Vaginal bleeding</li>
	<li>Abdominal bleeding</li>
	<li>Excessive bowel movement.</li>
</ul>

<p>Even though these symptoms may seem like symptoms of normal body pain or irrelevant periods, you must still visit the doctor for further treatment, especially after you have tested positive for pregnancy. This is important for the early detection of ectopic pregnancy.</p>

<h2><strong>Risk Factors of Ectopic Pregnancy</strong></h2>

<p>Some external factors enhance the probability of you having an ectopic pregnancy. These factors are:</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h3><strong>Earlier ectopic pregnancy</strong></h3>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>If a woman had an ectopic pregnancy in the past, then there is a great probability of having an ectopic pregnancy again in the future.</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h3><strong>Inflammation or Infection</strong></h3>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Inflammation on the fallopian tube caused because of Sexually Transmitted Diseases like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, etc., can increase the likelihood of you suffering from ectopic pregnancy.</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h3><strong>Fallopian Tube Surgery</strong></h3>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>A past surgery on the fallopian tube might also increase the chances of ectopic pregnancy in the future.</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h3><strong>Fertility Treatments</strong></h3>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Fertility treatments like In Vito Fertilization (IVF) may also increase the chances of ectopic pregnancy in women.</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h3><strong>Birth Control Pills</strong></h3>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Intrauterine Devices (IUD) are birth control medications. Women&#39;s chances of pregnant after consuming these IUD pills are slim. However, if in case of pregnancy, even after consuming IUD pills, then that pregnancy is most likely ectopic.</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h3><strong>Smoking</strong></h3>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Cigarette smoking just before the pregnancy can enhance the likelihood of contracting ectopic pregnancy.</p>

<h2><strong>Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy</strong></h2>

<p>The only treatment for ectopic pregnancy is to remove the fertilised egg implanted outside the uterus cavity. The fertilised egg cannot survive outside the uterus, so it must be removed. If the fertilised egg is not removed, the fallopian tube may burst, resulting in severe blood loss and other compilations.</p>

<p>The fertilised egg can be removed either by surgery or by medications. In the early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, medication might be sufficient. However, surgical removal of the fertilised egg might be the only option in complex cases.</p>

<h2><strong>After Ectopic Pregnancy</strong></h2>

<p>After an episode of ectopic pregnancy, it is very difficult for the woman to have a normal pregnancy, and the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy in future pregnancies rises significantly. However, if you do get pregnant again, consult a doctor immediately.</p>

<p>You may like: <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/when-do-ectopic-pregnancy-symptoms-start-167627">When do ectopic pregnancy symptoms start? (mylofamily.com)</a></p>

<h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>

<p>Ectopic pregnancy is a type of pregnancy wherein the fertilised egg is implanted outside the uterus. This leads to several complications and can impact the other organs as well. It is crucial for early detection of ectopic pregnancy for timely treatment. The early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are vaginal bleeding, shoulder pain, pelvic pain, dizziness, nausea, etc. If a woman is pregnant and is exhibiting any of these symptoms, she must visit a doctor at the earliest. The only course of treatment of ectopic treatment is the removal of the fertilised egg, either by medication or surgery. Ectopic pregnancy has severe complications in future pregnancies as well. However, timely diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy are important for women&rsquo;s health.</p>

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<h3><strong>References</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Vanitha N Sivalingam. (2011). Diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy. NCBI</li>
</ul>


<p>Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation, but it can also come with unexpected complications. One such complication is ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. While rare, ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening if left untreated. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available for this condition. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about ectopic pregnancy, including its risk factors, warning signs, and how it can be managed. Whether you are currently pregnant or simply interested in learning more, read on to discover the facts about this potentially serious condition.</p>

<h2><strong>What is an ectopic pregnancy? </strong></h2>

<p>In a normal pregnancy, the male&#39;smale&#39;s sperm fertilizes the female&#39;sfemale&#39;s egg, after which the fertilized egg gets implanted in the uterus. It&#39;sIt&#39;s only when the implantation is complete that the pregnancy can be said to be viable. The egg travels via the fallopian tubes to get implanted in the uterus. If there is a blockage or damage in the tube, the egg fails to reach the uterus and gets implanted in the tube itself. This is known as an <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/what-is-ectopic-pregnancy---symptoms-causes-treatment-prevention-how-to-detect-it-153362">ectopic pregnancy. </a></p>

<p>In some cases, the egg can also get implanted in the cervix, the abdomen, an ovary or a c-section scar, although that is much rarer. A heterotopic pregnancy is when one egg is implanted in the uterus while another is implanted in the fallopian tube. </p>

<h2><strong>Is an ectopic pregnancy dangerous? </strong></h2>

<p>If an ectopic pregnancy goes unnoticed, it can lead to a rupture of the fallopian tube, which results in heavy internal bleeding and abdominal pain. It may even result in death if not treated on time. Therefore, it&#39;s very important to identify an ectopic pregnancy, and if that doesn&#39;tdoesn&#39;t happen, then you need to take quick action during an emergency at least. Unfortunately, most ectopic pregnancies happen within the very early days of pregnancy, and you may not yet know you are pregnant or experience any symptoms. </p>

<h2><strong>What puts you at risk of having an ectopic pregnancy? </strong></h2>

<p>Certain factors make it more likely that you will have an ectopic pregnancy. </p>

<ul>
	<li>Any previous surgery in the fallopian tube makes it more likely for there to be blockages in the tube, which may result in an ectopic pregnancy. </li>
	<li>Smoking is supposed to hamper the fallopian tubes&#39; regular functioning, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. </li>
	<li>Women over 35 are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy than younger women. </li>
	<li>If you have undergone IVF(In Vitro Fertilization) and fertility drugs, there is a higher chance of an ectopic pregnancy. </li>
	<li>Endometriosis is where the tissue that lines your uterus grows elsewhere in your body, like your abdomen, ovary and fallopian tubes. When it grows in your fallopian tubes, it can increase your chances of having an ectopic pregnancy. </li>
	<li>Women who have previously had an ectopic pregnancy are 5-25% more likely to have another one. </li>
	<li>Taking progestin-only contraceptives instead of combined pills has been linked to higher ectopic pregnancy rates. </li>
	<li>PID or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease often results from STDs like gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Since PID doesn&#39;tdoesn&#39;t always have symptoms, it can be assumed that having these STDs puts you at greater risk of an ectopic pregnancy. </li>
</ul>

<h2><strong>Warning signs of Ectopic Pregnancy</strong></h2>

<p>Ectopic pregnancy can cause a variety of symptoms, many of which are similar to those of a normal pregnancy. However, there are some <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/when-do-ectopic-pregnancy-symptoms-start-167627?">warning signs</a> that may indicate a problem, including:</p>

<h3><strong>1. Vaginal bleeding</strong></h3>

<p>Light spotting or bleeding is common during early pregnancy, but heavy bleeding may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy.</p>

<h3><strong>2. Abdominal pain</strong></h3>

<p>Pain on one side of the lower abdomen or pelvis may indicate a problem, especially if it is accompanied by bleeding.</p>

<h3><strong>3. Shoulder pain</strong></h3>

<p>Shoulder pain is an unusual symptom of ectopic pregnancy, but it can occur if there is internal bleeding, which can irritate nerves that run to the shoulder.</p>

<h3><strong>4. Nausea and vomiting</strong></h3>

<p>Morning sickness is a common symptom of pregnancy, but severe nausea and vomiting, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, may indicate ectopic pregnancy.</p>

<h3><strong>5. Dizziness or fainting</strong></h3>

<p>Ectopic pregnancy can cause low blood pressure, which may lead to dizziness or fainting.</p>

<h2><strong>Diagnosis and treatment </strong></h2>

<p>It is not always easy to <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/how-to-detect-ectopic-pregnancy-early-163386">diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. </a>If your symptoms indicate an ectopic pregnancy, your doctor will first check your uterus for signs of an embryo. If she can&#39;t find one, it may be because of an ectopic pregnancy, a miscarriage, or a very early-stage uterine pregnancy. She will then check the fallopian tubes for signs of an embryo, but in many cases, the embryo dies early, in which case she will also check for swollen tubes or remnants of the tissue. </p>

<h3><strong>How early can an Ectopic Pregnancy be detected through an Ultrasound? </strong></h3>

<p>An ectopic pregnancy can often be detected through an ultrasound as early as 5-6 weeks gestation. However, the timing of detection may vary depending on several factors such as the location of the ectopic pregnancy and the type of ultrasound being used.</p>

<p>Transvaginal ultrasound is the most accurate method for detecting an ectopic pregnancy in early stages, as it can provide high-resolution images of the uterus and the fallopian tubes. A transabdominal ultrasound may also be used to detect an ectopic pregnancy, but it may be less sensitive and may not detect the pregnancy until later stages.</p>

<p>If nothing can be confirmed, your blood tests and ultrasounds will be done regularly to determine if it&#39;s a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. Once a conclusion can be reached, treatment will begin. </p>

<h3><strong>Treatment for Ectopic Pregnancy</strong></h3>

<p>If an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, treatment is usually through an injection of methotrexate which prevents the cells from growing and enables the body to absorb them. In some cases, surgery is required. It is generally done laparoscopically with a small incision. In emergency cases, when the tube ruptures, a larger incision is required in a procedure known as a laparotomy. </p>

<p>You may also like: <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/what-is-ectopic-pregnancy-symptoms-causes-treatment-prevention-how-to-detect-it-153362?">What is Ectopic Pregnancy - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention &amp; How to Detect it?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Moving on from an ectopic pregnancy </strong></h2>

<p>Apart from the devastating loss, an ectopic pregnancy can also pose challenges for future pregnancies, making it particularly difficult to take. Although it is possible to have a normal pregnancy in future, it can be more challenging. You may find you need to take fertility treatments as well. </p>

<p>You will have to wait for some time (usually 3 to 6 months), as recommended by a doctor before you can try becoming pregnant again. It&#39;sIt&#39;s also important to make sure you&#39;re mentally and emotionally ready to try again. Don&#39;tDon&#39;t hesitate to get help from a counsellor for yourself or your partner or both if you feel the need. </p>

<p> </p>

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