Ectopic pregnancies
An ectopic pregnancy refers to a pregnancy which starts outside the womb. This is usually in the uterine tubes, but may include the gastric area, the ovaries or the cervix. Ectopic pregnancies are usually caused by factors which prevent or slow the oocyte from arriving at the womb. This includes physical blockages, and hormonal factors. Scarring of the uterine tubes from previous pelvic infections may increase the risk of ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies may result in the rupture of the uterine tubes and severe haemorrhage during the first 8 weeks of gestation which may be fatal to both mother and child. Symptoms of ectopic pregnancies include abnormal vaginal bleeds, amennhorea (lack of menstruation), breast tenderness, Lower back pain, pain on one side of the pelvis, nausea or pain in lower abdomen or pelvic area. If left untreated symptoms may extend to fainting, sharp pain in the abdomen and shoulders, and pressure on the rectum. Internal bleeding may also lead to s...