Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are often the same women experience during a normal pregnancy. Ectopic means "out of place" and that is probably how you are feeling. If you are experiencing any of the following unusual symptoms, the most important step is to go see your doctor immediately:

Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

• Missed menstrual period
• Tender breasts
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Increased urination
• Vaginal bleeding
• Painful intercourse
• Dizziness
• fainting
• Sharp, stabbing pains in the abdomen and sometimes the shoulders and neck, felt by 8 weeks into pregnancy.

The pain of ectopic pregnancy is not always constant and may ease off at times. Every woman is different and you may or may not suffer one or all of these complications.

An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg attaches someplace outside the uterus, sometimes in the fallopian tube. If the egg continues to grow it can rupture the tube, and cause internal bleeding. Abdominal pregnancy requires medical attention well before the fetus develops normally because of the danger of hemorrhage for the mother.

A small percentage of ectopic pregnancies take place in the ovary, cervix, or abdomen. Your doctor, during a vaginal ultrasound examination, will be able to find a cervical pregnancy whether or not you've had symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.

Women at higher risk of developing ectopic pregnancy include:

• Women diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Women who suffer endometriosis, which causes a build-up of scar tissue in or around the fallopian tubes.
• Women who were exposed to the chemical DES before birth.
• Women between the ages of 35- 44.
• Some medical treatments can be responsible for an increase in your risk of ectopic pregnancy including:
• Surgery on the fallopian tubes or in the pelvic area.
• Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization.

Warning signs of ectopic pregnancy:

Pelvic or stomach pain that may be sharp on one side at first and spread through your stomach.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding.

How is ectopic pregnancy diagnosed by a physician?

A urine test can show if you are pregnant.

A pelvic exam to check the size of your uterus and feel for out of place growths or tender spots felt in your stomach.

A blood test that checks the level of the pregnancy hormone.

An ultrasound can usually see a pregnancy present in the uterus six weeks after your last menstrual cycle.

Treatment for ectopic pregnancy: Sadly, there is no way for doctors to place ectopic pregnancy back into the proper place in your uterus, to stop the pregnancy is the only option.

Your doctor will treat ectopic pregnancy as soon as possible to prevent any future harm.

Medication may be prescribed if the pregnancy is found early. A medicine called methotrexate will usually end the pregnancy. A follow-up blood test insures the shot administered by your doctor took effect.

For a pregnancy that is farther along, surgery is safer and more effective. The surgery performed is called a laparoscopy, done through small incisions in your stomach.

The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening and should be taken seriously. Please seek immediate medical treatment before any further harmful health conditions are created. You are not alone in this emotional time of your life, one in fifty pregnancies are known to end this way.