it is essential that if you experience any of the symptoms
below you get them checked out immediately
A positive pregnancy test and or
- one-sided lower abdominal pain, and
- vaginal bleeding or
- shoulder pain and a feeling of rectal pressure
A pelvic ultrasound is often used to determine the presence or absence of a pregnancy within the uterine cavity. Approximately
5-6 weeks after the last menstrual period, the use of ultrasound can determine if there is a gestational sac in the uterus.
The ultrasound may even detect an enlarged fallopian tube or the presence of a pelvic mass, representing an ectopic pregnancy.
If an ectopic pregnancy cannot be determined with an ultrasound, laparoscopy (a small, lighted camera inserted through small
incisions below the navel and/or near the pubic bone). Once diagnosed your G.P. or consultant will be able to advise you what
the best course of action is in your case, however at this time even a viable ectopic foetus cannot be saved.
Causes
The most common, known causes of ectopic pregnancy are a previous pelvic infection or surgery that has scarred the fallopian
tubes. However, many cases of ectopic pregnancy have no obvious cause. This can make it very hard for parents to accept,
our mums say that if there was just something that they could point too and say there that is why I lost my child it would
be much easier to deal with.
If you have had an ectopic pregnancy you have a slight increased risk of having another, so you should discuss this with
your GP and make sure that when you are pregnant again that you are monitored closely. Have a look at this site for more
information on ectopic pregnancy - http://www.ectopic.org.uk/
Send us your comments about this article or tell us about your experiences
back to top ^
