Extracting statistical surveys from a recent research, doctors have discovered shoulder pains to be a possible symptom of ectopic pregnancy. Considered to be a life-risking ailment among pregnant women which has increased in frequency over the years, this discovery has opened up new-fangled diagnosis opportunities for gynecologists.
Ectopic pregnancy, as commonly known, occurs when a fertile egg implants itself anywhere other than the uterus. While the majority of cases occur in the fallopian tube, a segmented number of issues may be cervical, ovarian and abdominal as well.
As per eminent medicine practitioners, fertile eggs are not designed to grow in the fallopian tube. Invariably, it causes a fallopian rapture and hence, is also known as tubular pregnancy. Raptures, if left untreated, can cause internal bleeding and therefore, demands immediate medical attention.
Returning to the topic of shoulder pain, doctors explained possible causes of such a symptom. Major reasons included an infection or inflammation of the fallopian tube due to a previous surgery or an abnormal birth. Such cases cause a partial or total blockage of the tubes preventing the eggs from moving down to the uterus.
Moreover, this leads to internal bleeding causing blood accumulation under the diaphragm and nerve irritation which invariably leads to a stabbing or intense shoulder pain. When asked for associative signs & symptoms, a renowned gynecologist stated –
“Initial symptoms of an ectopic case are quite similar to pregnancies. Vaginal spotting, nausea, and tiredness persist during weeks 1 and 2 of the first trimester with increased urination tendencies. However, intense pelvic pain may initiate from the early days of the second trimester & should be consulted immediately.”
When asked about age group vulnerabilities, experts exclaimed that women between the ages of 19 and 40 are most liable to incur an ectopic mishap. While rare cases are also being observed amongst female between the ages of 14 and 18, ladies pushing close to menopause also stay put at a risky end.
Concluding the session, doctors enlisted a number of preventive measures to minimize ectopic risks. While eradication of smoking habits and multiple abortions emerged to the prime causes, Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases and tubal ligation took a stance as other considerable factors.