Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus such as in the fallopian tubes.
In the vast majority of ectopic pregnancies, implantation occurs in the fallopian tubes, so you may hear some refer to this condition as tubal pregnancy.
Implantation may also occur in the ovary, abdomen or the cervix as well.
As these areas do not have the necessary space and properties to develop pregnancy properly, problems inevitably arise and as the fetus grows, it can burst the organ containing the pregnancy.
This may lead to severe bleeding and can put the mother's life in danger.
So how do you know if ectopic pregnancy has occurred? There may be a few signs, but the condition may be difficult to diagnose as the signs may be similar to normal early pregnancies.
Missed periods, breast tenderness, nausea and vomiting, as well as frequent urination, may be signs of ectopic pregnancy.
Pain and vaginal bleeding may be some of the first signs of ectopic pregnancy.
The pain may occur in the pelvis, in the abdomen or in the shoulder or the neck.
The pain may be very sharp and may concentrate to one side of the pelvis.
Sometimes the pain may vary in intensity and go away and return on occasion.
Additional symptoms may include vaginal spotting and lower back pain, while dizziness, fainting and low blood pressure may be symptoms as well and may be due to blood loss.
Women who complain of abdominal pain may be tested for pregnancy and then given a blood test to measure human chorionic gonadotropin, also called hCG, if the test is positive or if they already know they are pregnant.
Low levels of hCG for the woman's stage of pregnancy may be an indicator of ectopic pregnancy.
An ultrasound may be conducted as well to diagnose the condition, although ultrasounds may not be able to detect all cases of ectopic pregnancy.
A pelvic exam may also be used.
Many women may be monitored every couple of days to test hCG levels if a diagnosis cannot be confirmed or ruled out.