A tubal pregnancy or ruptured ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg becomes implanted out with the lining of the uterus where is supposed to be. While this usually happens in the fallopian tube other areas sometimes affected include the ovary, cervix or abdominal cavity and these are all very hard to diagnose. Some women have no symptoms at all while others mistake them for a normal pregnancy. 
The problem is that when the pregnancy develops outside the uterus area, there is no space for the placenta to join or the pregnancy cannot grow or develop due to the lack of room. Worse still, if left untreated inside the fallopian tube this will eventually rupture which can lead to life threatening complications. This is actually the leading cause of death in pregnant women during the first trimester and definitely needs to be treated medically as an emergency.
To help you spot this dangerous condition, here are ten symptoms to watch out for.
1. Any spotting or bleeding in the vaginal area may be a warning of an ectopic pregnancy and although this is not always an indication that something is wrong, you should consult your doctor immediately. Other reasons for this could be subchronic hematoma, implantation bleeding, an irritation of the cervix or even miscarriage.
2. Any woman experiencing spotting or bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy may have slow rising hCG levels and a doctor can run a test to determine this. This is also a sign of ruptured ectopic pregnancy as normal pregnancies see the hCG levels double but if they rise slowly it would indicate something is wrong. If they are not doubling like they should be, your doctor can order additional blood tests or even an ultrasound to eliminate an ectopic pregnancy as well as other complications.
3. While mild cramps are suffered by many during early pregnancy any acute pain combined with spotting is not normal and could indicate an ectopic pregnancy too particularly if experienced on one side like severe menstrual cramping.
4. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded this could be caused by internal bleeding so dizziness can be another sign of this condition. However it can also occur if you are anaemic, tired or not eating enough.
5. Any pain suffered down one side of the abdomen is also a sign to contact your doctor and this pain can range from a mild discomfort to severe pain. However, not all women will feel this pain immediately but a ruptured ectopic pregnancy can cause acute pain in a short space of time.
6. If you feel any pressure in the rectal area, experience painful gas or feel constipated then you may be suffering from an ectopic condition as these symptoms are very similar. The rectal pressure may be caused by an internal bleed and any acute gas pain should not be dismissed so make sure you alert your doctor as soon as possible.
7. Low blood pressure will leave a woman feeling short of breath and very tired as internal bleeding can cause the blood pressure to drop, particularly if ectopic diagnosis has been missed.
8. After the ectopic pregnancy has ruptured, the internal bleeding that results may irritate the nerves in the shoulder causing pain in that area. So if you notice any shoulder pain, especially along with any of the other symptoms described, it is a strong indication that the tube has ruptured. In this instance medical attention should be sought as a matter of urgency.
9. While morning sickness is common during any pregnancy, it is often hard to notice nausea as a symptom of an abnormal pregnancy however this can also be a sign of this condition.
10. Finally if a ruptured ectopic pregnancy occurs, a woman who is suffering from internal bleeding will go into shock as a result of the excessive bleeding. This means the tube has ruptured and urgent hospitalization, surgery and even a blood transfusion may be required. Symptoms of shock include anxiety, dizziness, feeling weak, fainting, a rapid but weak pulse and cold, clammy skin, some or all of which will require immediate emergency assistance.
