Early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

Written by Su Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on October 26, 2024
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Ectopic pregnancy, also known as extrauterine pregnancy, refers to the implantation of the gestational sac outside the uterine cavity. For example, in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the cornual region, etc., leading to a series of symptoms known as ectopic pregnancy. Typically, symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include a history of amenorrhea, where most individuals have a long or short history of missed periods. The second symptom is bleeding, which can be irregular, minor vaginal bleeding or significant bleeding, as well as bleeding within the abdominal cavity, which can lead to hemorrhagic shock in severe cases. Additionally, abdominal pain may occur, manifesting as sudden, tearing-like lower abdominal pain, or irregular referred pain.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
42sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Will an IUD cause an ectopic pregnancy?

IUD insertion can cause ectopic pregnancy because it is a minor gynecological surgery and an invasive procedure. Any invasive operation can potentially trigger pelvic inflammatory disease. The occurrence of pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes, which is one of the main causes of ectopic pregnancy. Moreover, not every patient is suitable for an IUD. These devices come in many shapes, and there should be an optimal match between the shape of the IUD and the size and form of the uterine cavity. If the IUD does not match the patient's uterine cavity size and shape, it may not effectively prevent pregnancy, thus increasing the risk of pregnancy with the IUD in place, including the occurrence of ectopic pregnancies. In conclusion, IUD insertion can lead to ectopic pregnancies.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 10sec home-news-image

Ectopic pregnancy signs

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 Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?

The treatment methods for ectopic pregnancy include surgical treatment, medical treatment, and expectant management. Surgical treatment involves surgical intervention, which can be either conservative or radical surgery. Generally, surgery is indicated when blood HCG levels are relatively high, exceeding 3000 units per liter, or when there is a continuous increase. An ultrasound may show ectopic cardiac activity, a large mass, or it may be used when medical treatment is contraindicated, ineffective, or when vital signs are unstable and there is significant internal bleeding. These are indications for surgical treatment of an ectopic pregnancy. Additionally, there are conservative treatments and expectant management. Expectant management involves no medication, just regular monitoring of HCG levels and ultrasound examinations.

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Written by Su Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min home-news-image

Early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy, also known as extrauterine pregnancy, refers to the implantation of the gestational sac outside the uterine cavity. For example, in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the cornual region, etc., leading to a series of symptoms known as ectopic pregnancy. Typically, symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include a history of amenorrhea, where most individuals have a long or short history of missed periods. The second symptom is bleeding, which can be irregular, minor vaginal bleeding or significant bleeding, as well as bleeding within the abdominal cavity, which can lead to hemorrhagic shock in severe cases. Additionally, abdominal pain may occur, manifesting as sudden, tearing-like lower abdominal pain, or irregular referred pain.