Ectopic pregnancy signs

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Normally, if menstruation does not occur at the expected time and there is irregular, light bleeding, the first step is to go to the hospital for an early pregnancy test. If the test shows two lines, this indicates pregnancy. Pregnancy includes intrauterine pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy. In cases of ectopic pregnancy, there is generally also irregular bleeding and abdominal pain. Therefore, if the early pregnancy test is positive with two lines and there is irregular bleeding and abdominal pain, one must be alert for the occurrence of an ectopic pregnancy. At this time, you can go to the hospital for blood tests to check the HCG levels and progesterone, along with an ultrasound to comprehensively determine the situation. If there is no gestational sac within the uterine cavity and an abnormal mass is found outside the uterus, then hospitalization and appropriate treatment for the ectopic pregnancy are needed.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
42sec home-news-image

How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?

If symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are confirmed, further examinations are necessary before symptomatic treatment can be administered. Normally, it is essential to first determine the specific status of the ectopic pregnancy, whether there is any rupture, whether the patient's vital signs are stable, and whether there is significant internal bleeding in the abdominal cavity. If the symptoms are not severe and there is no rupture, localized conservative medicinal treatment can be administered. However, if the symptoms are severe, accompanied by hemorrhagic shock or substantial internal bleeding in the abdomen, emergency surgical treatment is required.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 8sec home-news-image

What are the early signs of ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy is a common term for what is known as a displaced pregnancy; that is, a condition where the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterine cavity. Therefore, ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine pregnancy are different. In the early stages of an ectopic pregnancy, if there is no splitting of the pregnancy sac or bleeding, there generally are no symptoms. However, the condition can be understood and assessed through some auxiliary examinations. For example, after the cessation of menstruation, an ectopic pregnancy might be accompanied by a small amount of vaginal bleeding, and blood tests for HCG might show that the HCG levels do not double as expected. Or, at a certain gestational week, such as six or seven weeks, an ultrasound might not reveal a pregnancy sac. These are all precursors to an ectopic pregnancy, and if these signs appear, the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy is very high.

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Written by Liu Qin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 14sec home-news-image

What causes an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity, with tubal pregnancy being the most common type, accounting for up to 95% of cases. There are many causes of ectopic pregnancy, with the main reasons including the following: First, inflammation of the fallopian tubes is a major cause of ectopic pregnancy because the inflammation can cause the mucous membranes of the tubes to adhere, narrowing of the lumen, or impairment of the cilia function, leading to obstruction of the fertilized egg's movement within the tube, preventing it from reaching the uterine cavity, thus, it implants in the tube. Second, the patient has a history of fallopian tube surgery or a previous ectopic pregnancy. Third, poor development or abnormal function of the fallopian tubes. Fourth, the implementation of assisted reproductive technology. Fifth, the intake of emergency contraceptive pills by individuals who experienced contraceptive failure. (The use of medications should be done under the guidance of Doctor Yan.)

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can an ectopic pregnancy be carried to term?

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity, commonly known as ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is when the pregnancy sac implants outside the uterine cavity. Because the muscle layer outside the uterine cavity is very thin, it restricts the growth of the pregnancy sac during its development. Furthermore, the trophoblast invades the local blood vessels, causing the vessels to rupture and miscarriage to occur very early in the pregnancy, potentially endangering the patient's life. Therefore, an ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy that cannot be sustained. If an ectopic pregnancy is detected, it should be treated as early as possible.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy initially presents with a lack of menstruation, specifically in women of childbearing age who miss their expected period and then discover they are pregnant. A few days later, they might experience light vaginal bleeding, which is usually scanty and in drips. Additionally, about 95% of affected individuals will feel pain in the lower abdomen, which typically presents as a faint cramping pain before the ectopic pregnancy ruptures. If a rupture occurs, it can lead to very severe, tearing-like intense pain. If the pain leads to internal bleeding, severe cases may result in symptoms of shock.