Ectopic vs. Viable Pregnancy: Symptoms, Risks & Diagnosis

Ectopic Pregnancy

* Symptoms:

* Abdominal pain, especially on one side

* Vaginal bleeding, which may be heavy or light

* Nausea and vomiting

* Fatigue

* Dizziness or fainting

* Shoulder pain

* Diarrhea

* Risk factors:

* Previous ectopic pregnancy

* Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

* Endometriosis

* Smoking

* Age over 35

* Use of fertility drugs or in vitro fertilization (IVF)

* Diagnosis:

* Ultrasound

* Blood tests to measure hormone levels

Viable Pregnancy

* Symptoms:

* Missed period

* Fatigue

* Nausea and vomiting

* Breast tenderness

* Frequent urination

* Mood swings

* Risk factors:

* None

* Diagnosis:

* Ultrasound

* Blood tests to measure hormone levels

Treatment

* Ectopic pregnancy: Treatment for an ectopic pregnancy typically involves medication to terminate the pregnancy, or surgery to remove the pregnancy tissue.

* Viable pregnancy: Treatment for a viable pregnancy typically involves prenatal care and delivery of the baby at term.