There are known risk factors such as fallopian tubes that are damaged by previous infection or surgery. Ectopic pregnancy differs from other pregnancy losses because many times the parents are unaware that they have conceived. Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy may not be easy to diagnose. Often times tests and examinations have to be done before the cause of the pain is known. The discovery of an ectopic pregnancy can be a shock.
Any ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening situation.
It must be diagnosed and quickly removed. At first, the loss of a baby may be overshadowed by the more immediate concern for oneself and surgery or hospitalization. The physical pain and fear of surgery can be overwhelming. Pregnancy hormone levels remain high for several days after an ectopic pregnancy has been removed. When hormone levels finally drop, vaginal bleeding usually increases.