Question 1

is actual gas , not just gas like pains a sign of ectopic pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

No: Gas in not a sign of ectopic pregnancy.  Pelvic  pain and bleeding typically 6-8 weeks after last period are some classic symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.

Question 2

how long does shoulder pain last after laparoscopic surgery? i had a lap for an ectopic pregnancy yesterday and i am feeling a lot of pain in my shoulder.  i think it may be from the intraabdominal gas they use to blow up the belly during surgery.  how lo

Accepted Answer

This : This shoulder pain is a common complaint following laparoscopic surgery. This type of pain is called referred pain. It is due to irritation of the diaphragm from the insufflation (filling) of the abdominal cavity with gas. While most of the gas is removed at the end of the operation a few bubbles may remain and often once you are upright they move up and sit under the diaphragm. The phrenic nerve which enervates the diaphragm comes from the same nerve roots which enervate the shoulder. For this reason you will feel the discomfort from the diaphragm as shoulder pain. The gas does not take long to be absorbed by the inner lining of your abdominal cavity and then the pain will be gone. This rarely takes longer than 48 hours and usually much less. Walking can be helpful and is a good thing to do after surgery anyway to keep your lungs healthy. For some this shoulder pain is worse than the surgical pain so it is nice to know it doesn't last that long. If you have ongoing pain, fever, or feel it is getting worse not better contact your surgeon to be evaluated.

Question 3

did  having 3 previous c-sections cause me to get an ectopic pregnancy ?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Repeated pelvic surgery, which includes a c-section can cause the formation of scar tissue (adhesions) which can block your fallopian tubes (which carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus) and then cause an ectopic pregnancy.  This is because the fertilized egg cannot reach the uterus to implant where it belongs.  Repeated c-sections are associated with reduced fertility.

Question 4

could having  previous c-sections cause me now to have a ectopic pregnancy ?

Accepted Answer

Not normally: Anyone could experience an ectopic pregnancy, but an uncomplicated cesarean would not increase your risk for an ectopic pregnancy.

Question 5

ectopic pregnancy danger?

Accepted Answer

Extremely dangerous: Pelvic/abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding in a pregnant woman are most common symptoms. These are rarely present early ectopic though, so if there's reason for concern about ectopic consult your doctor, do not rely on symptoms.

Question 6

what helps treat ectopic pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Surgery and meds: Depending on the size and age of the ectopic, sometimes medications can be given that will cause it to reabsorb into a woman's body and surgery will not be needed.  If it is too large, or if it has ruptured, surgery will be necessary to remove the pregnancy and stop any bleeding.

Question 7

how is an ectopic pregnancy detected?

Accepted Answer

Need a pelvic exam: At a minimum, if there is any suspicion of ectopic pregnancy, you need a pelvic exam, as well as a pregnancy test, to make the diagnosis.  Usually, an ultrasound is done as well to confirm the diagnosis and find the exact location and size of the ectopic.

Question 8

how does an ectopic pregnancy happen?

Accepted Answer

Stuck in the tube: Conception normally occurs in the fallopian tube and the embryo travels down the tube and into the uterus where it implants. If the embryo gets stuck and implants in the tube an ectopic pregnancy will occur.

Question 9

what's the upshot of getting ectopic pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Life threatening: Ectopic pregnancy can result in life threatening internal bleeding.  The risk for an ectopic pregnancy is increased in a woman with a history of pelvic infections, pelvic surgery, previous ectopic pregnancy, and endometriosis.  Most ectopic pregnancies are treated surgically, but when diagnosed early, an ectopic pregnancy can be treated medically.

Question 10

i'm worried i might be having an ectopic pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

See OB: This can cause major problem if not taken care of promptly and you need to see your OB now or go to an ER.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Gas vs ectopic pregnancy

A member asked:

Is actual gas , not just gas like pains a sign of ectopic pregnancy?

A member asked:

How long does shoulder pain last after laparoscopic surgery? i had a lap for an ectopic pregnancy yesterday and i am feeling a lot of pain in my shoulder. i think it may be from the intraabdominal gas they use to blow up the belly during surgery. how lo

A member asked:

Did having 3 previous c-sections cause me to get an ectopic pregnancy ?

A member asked:

Could having previous c-sections cause me now to have a ectopic pregnancy ?

A member asked:

Ectopic pregnancy danger?

A member asked:

What helps treat ectopic pregnancy?

A member asked:

How is an ectopic pregnancy detected?

A member asked:

How does an ectopic pregnancy happen?

A member asked:

What's the upshot of getting ectopic pregnancy?

A member asked:

I'm worried i might be having an ectopic pregnancy?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?