A tubular pregnancy, also called a tubal pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy, is when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the Fallopian tube instead of inside the uterus. A fetus cannot grow in the small Fallopian tube, and this condition causes a miscarriage. Since an ectopic pregnancy can threaten the life of the mother, prompt medical treatment is necessary. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a tubular pregnancy to avoid complications that may affect future fertility.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
A tubular pregnancy often starts out like a normal pregnancy. A woman may have tender breasts, fatigue and morning sickness. She will most likely miss her period. Sometimes, however, an ectopic pregnancy will not cause any pregnancy symptoms.
Pain and Bleeding
A women experiencing a tubal pregnancy will begin to feel pain in the lower part of her abdomen within about a week of missing her period. Usually the pain will be located only on the side in which the egg has implanted. This pain can be stabbing, constant, intermittent, severe or moderate. The woman will often have brown vaginal spotting or bleeding at the same time. She may feel faint or dizzy and may suffer episodes of low blood pressure.
Ruptured Tubes
If the ectopic pregnancy is allowed to progress, the woman has a risk of the Fallopian tube rupturing. Symptoms of a rupture include shoulder pain or pressure, pelvic pain, nausea and vomiting, and fainting. This is a medical emergency, and any woman experiencing these symptoms should call her doctor or go to an emergency room immediately.
