

Pain is the most common symptom of an ectopic pregnancy, occurring in more than 90 percent of cases. However, there is no "classic" characteristic of ectopic pregnancy pain. In some cases, the pain may not occur at all. Whether the pain occurs depends on where the ectopic pregnancy is located and whether or not it has ruptured.
With an ectopic pregnancy, pain can occur in one or several locations. This includes the:
If an ectopic pregnancy has ruptured, the pain may be more generalized pain within the abdomen. It also may move up to the shoulder or even the neck.
While pain is the most common symptom of an ectopic pregnancy, it is not uncommon for a woman to have a painless ectopic pregnancy.
In these cases, women may initially see their doctor because they have missed their period and are not having early-pregnancy bleeding or spotting. Some women without ectopic pregnancy pain may first go to their doctor because they are lightheaded or have fainted.
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