Re: ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

Posted By hfhs.md.rcs on October 23, 1998 at 14:08:46:

In Reply to: ECTOPIC PREGNANCY posted by Sarah on October 19, 1998 at 07:16:56:






How early in a pregnancy can one feel an ectopic pregnancy?  I have attempted to concive this cycle and I'm 2 days late for when my period should have started.  I have tested negative in a home pregnancy test.  I had an ectopic a year ago that ended in me losing my left tube.  The pain that I am currently experiencing is on my lower right side with slight intermitted pain on my left side.  I'm schedule to have a blood pregnancy test performed today.  
Thank you for your help,
Sarah
Dear Sarah:
The "feel" of an ectopic pregnancy is due to the stretching of the fallopian tube. Since the size of the tube is very different from ovary to uterine end and the amount of bleeding associated with the pregnancy attaching into the wall varies also, there are no rules to answer your question.
When a woman who has been pregnant in the past tells an OB/GYN that she is pregnant again, we believe her. Some women just know from the way their body is acting that this is pregnancy. Equally, when a woman who has had one ectopic pregnancy tells me it feels the same way again, I believe her. Unfortunately, it is not until about 2 weeks past the missed menstrual period that hCG levels and ultrasound images solidify any diagnosis.
Keywords: ectopic pregnancy
This information is provided for education purposes only and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician.