Join Our Community!
Share
Womens Health > Ovulation and Ovaries Forum > Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy
What is PCOS? And when does polycystic ovary syndrome become a problem for women?...
Not all women with PCOS share the same symptoms but women with PCOS exhibit one of three main symptoms. PCOS signs and symptoms made clear here....
PCOS is often misdiagnosed. Educate yourself with some diagnostic questions that can point you in the right direction for an accurate PCOS diagnosis....
User Profile
Q: Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy
asked by: DoctorQuestion on March 26th, 2009
My friend just found out she's pregnant from a pregnancy test. She went into the hospital for testing to be sure & bc she was spotting. The docs can't find anything on the ultra sound, her hcg level is only 21... this is up one from the day of her first testing. They said she might have miscarried or it might be ectopic but they can't tell and want her to wait until Wed for more tests or she can have it 'removed' asap. She wants to wait but this could be fatal to her health. Any signs she should be looking out for? Any other ways the doctors can figure this out??? I'm really scared for her and she is took. She has pains (not extreme) on her lower left side and has been sick for the past two weeks or so. Very ill though, cold/flu like. Please respond asap as I'm trying to convince her to go to the hospital instead of risking herself.


Did you find this post useful?
|
Replies(1)
User Profile
Dr. Andrijana Shterjovska , MD
replied on March 28th, 2009
Ovulation and Ovaries Answer A6153

Both miscarriages and early ectopic pregnancies are usually not life-threatening. If complications occur or the ectopic pregnancy is advanced, then serious treatment has to be included.


Your friend might watch out for heavy bleeding and fever (indicative for pelvic inflammatory disease which might progress to dangerous sepsis).


An ectopic pregnancy, if not treated on time, might develop so much that the placenta no longer can be supplied with blood through the small blood vessels, thus starting the miscarriage. Since the placenta is attached in an inappropriate location, the affected organ might cause serious bleeding. However, this occurs further in pregnancy and is easily diagnosed with an ultrasound if searched for.


Your friend might want to wait for several days before a follow-up with a gynecologist if none of the previously mentioned dangerous symptoms appears.




DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer their time on eHealth Forum. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Ovulation and Ovaries , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.
Did you find this post useful?
|
This question has been answered by the doctor. This topic is now open for public discussion, however no comments below this point will be answered by a doctor.
Quick Reply
Search