Many women worry about their pregnancies and the health of their unborn baby. Although most pregnancies progress without serious problems, some situations can threaten your pregnancy and pose serious risks to your health. One type of crisis–an ectopic pregnancy–occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside your uterus. Most pregnancies that begin outside the uterus occur inside the fallopian tubes. Tubal pregnancies require prompt medical care. Knowing what signs of a tubular pregnancy to watch for when you’re expecting can help you recognize the symptoms and take appropriate action.
Signs of a Tubular Pregnancy
Pain
Although you may notice slight discomfort during your pregnancy, the presence of intense or ongoing pain calls for a visit with your doctor. Tubal pregnancy can cause pain that appears in your abdomen or pelvis. This sensation can stay constant or may vary in intensity. Your pain may feel mild pain or sharp, stabbing pains that come and go. An ache in your back can also signal the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. You might even feel pain in your shoulders and neck if your tube ruptures and causes internal bleeding that presses under your diaphragm and irritates certain nerves.
Vaginal Bleeding
Many women experience light bleeding early in their pregnancies. This can be due to the fertilized egg implanting into your uterus, but it can also indicate the presence of a tubal pregnancy. In a tubal pregnancy, your bleeding might vary from a light spotting to a heavy flow. Contact your doctor if you notice vaginal bleeding, and you think you may be pregnant. He can rule out serious causes of vaginal bleeding, including an ectopic pregnancy.
Dizziness
A tubal pregnancy can make you feel dizzy. Caused by low blood pressure from a ruptured fallopian tube, this dizziness can cause the room to spin and even make you faint. A loss of blood may also make you feel weak and listless. Although many women experience feelings of tiredness and fatigue in normal pregnancies, consult your doctor if you feel weak and tired or experience dizziness. He may want to check your blood pressure and conduct other exams to rule out the possibility of a tubal pregnancy.
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