Ectopic pregnancy, which is also known as extrauterine pregnancy, occurs when fertilized eggs start growing outside of the cavity of the uterus. It most commonly occurs when the fertilized egg implants within the fallopian tubes and in some rare cases, it can occur within the ovary or in the cervix.

Fallopian tubes connect the womb to the ovaries and when an egg gets stuck within the fallopian tubes, the egg will not develop into a baby as the tube does not have enough space to support the embryo. This is also known as tubal pregnancy and under no circumstances, it would be possible to save the baby.

What are the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?

Spotting the symptoms early for ectopic pregnancy is important as doctors may be able to salvage the affected fallopian tube and prevent life threatening bleeding. It is also recommended to seek consult early to help with the timely detection of an ectopic pregnancy.  The following are some of the common symptoms associated with ectopic pregnancy.

• A missed period
• Vaginal bleeding
• Brown colored watery discharge out of vagina
• Tummy pain only on one side
• Shoulder pain (It happens on the tip of your shoulder)

Seek medical assistance

If you do experience one or more of the symptoms as mentioned above, you will need to seek the assistance of a healthcare expert urgently. Tests such as vaginal ultrasound, blood tests and keyhole surgery will be performed to confirm whether or not you may have ectopic pregnancy.

There are multiple treatments available for ectopic pregnancy and if detected in the early stages, your doctor may provide you with medication such as Methotrexate, which causes the fertilized egg to stop developing and the pregnancy tissue is then dissolved into the body. However, in most instances, the egg usually dies before they can grow bigger.  In more advanced stages, surgery may be required to remove the pregnancy sac.

Make sure that you have a chat with your doctor and proceed with the best treatment option as soon as possible.

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