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Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms
While pain, cramping, or vaginal bleeding may occur in early pregnancy, they can also be symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. Lower abdominal or pelvic pain is also a common symptom. The pain may be intense and sharp or dull and throbbing. Because of the seriousness of the condition, medical attention should be sought immediately if you experience such pain or other signs and symptoms.
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are similar to those of a normal early pregnancy. This may offer one reason why an early ectopic pregnancy can be missed by a healthcare provider. However, in women with risk factors for an ectopic pregnancy (see Ectopic Pregnancy Causes), the suspicion is usually increased.
Classic early ectopic pregnancy symptoms include:
- Lower abdominal (stomach) or pelvic pain (present in more than 90 percent of cases)
- Late menstrual period (present in up to 90 percent of cases)
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting (present in up to 80 percent of cases).
Other symptoms may include:
- Mild cramping on one side of the pelvis
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea, dizziness, or not feeling well.
If an ectopic pregnancy has ruptured, pain can occur in the pelvis, abdomen (stomach), or even the shoulder or neck. This pain can vary from long-lasting, throbbing pain to intense, shooting pain. Symptoms of shock may also occur. In fact, many times, with an ectopic pregnancy, symptoms of shock are the first sign that something is wrong. These symptoms may include:
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate.
The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy discussed in this article are not sure signs of the condition. Other conditions share a number of these symptoms. However, given the seriousness of an ectopic pregnancy, call your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant and start experiencing pain or any of these other symptoms.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD