Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a complication of pregnancy in which the embryo attaches outside the uterus. Signs and symptoms classically include abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Fewer than 50 per cent of affected women have both of these symptoms. The pain may be described as sharp, dull, or crampy. Pain may also spread to the shoulder if bleeding into the abdomen has occurred. Severe bleeding may result in a fast heart rate, fainting, or shock. With very rare exceptions the fetus is unable to survive . Risks Factors Include The pelvic inflammatory disease often due to chlamydia infection Tobacco smoking Prior tubal surgery History of infertility Use of assisted reproductive technology Those who have previously had an ectopic pregnancy are at much higher risk of having another one . Detection Detection of ectopic pregnancy is typically by blood tests for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Ultrasound Complications The most common complication is a rupture with internal bleeding which ...