Abnormal Pregnancy There are three main types of abnormal pregnancies.

These include an early pregnancy failure, an ectopic pregnancy, and a molar pregnancy. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of abnormal pregnancies, so that you can seek our medical attention, if you believe you are at risk. Early Pregnancy Failure This abnormal pregnancy occurs when there is a failure in the embryonic growth. This can be detected through an ultrasound. The image would appear as a large gestational sac, and this would signify that the growth of the embryo had failed. There are usually no symptoms of this condition, except some bleeding or cramps. Ectopic Pregnancy This condition occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus. Ninety-five percent of the time, the egg would settle in the fallopian tubes; however, it is also possible for the egg to settle in the ovary, abdomen, or the cervix. Unfortunately, none of these organs have enough space or nurturing tissue for the pregnancy to develop. This can be very dangerous, because if the embryo does happen to grow, it could endanger surrounding organs of the mother. If the ectopic pregnancy is discovered early enough, an injection can stop the growth of the embryo. However, if the abnormal pregnancy is not detected until later, one would need surgery to remove it. Warning Side Effects include: -Sharp or stabbing pain -Vaginal bleeding -Vaginal spotting -Dizziness -Low blood pressure -Low back pain The most common signs of an ectopic pregnancy include sharp or stabbing pain and/or vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms include vaginal spotting, dizziness, low blood pressure, or low back pain. Molar Pregnancy Often, a molar pregnancy will mimic a healthy pregnancy. This occurs when a genetic error takes place during the fertilization process, which leads to the growth of abnormal tissue within the uterus. A compete molar pregnancy will result in only a placenta and no baby being formed, while a partial molar pregnancy will result in several defects to the embryo, and eventually the fetus will be overcome by the growing abnormal mass. A very rare version of the partial mole will happen when twins are conceived, with one developing normally and the other mole. In this case, the healthy embryo will quickly be consumed by the abnormal growth.

This abnormal pregnancy is very rare, but also very frightening. Only 1 in every 1,000 women in the United States suffer from this condition, with women over the age of 40 being at a higher risk. Women who have had a previous molar pregnancy are also at a higher risk to have another one. A molar pregnancy can be detected through a pelvic exam, or by a sonogram. Warning side effects include: -Vaginal bleeding -Nausea -High blood pressure levels -Increased hCG levels -No fetal movement or heart tone