What does an ectopic pregnancy feel like
Early signs of ectopic pregnancy
The initial signs of an ectopic pregnancy are similar to those seen in a normal pregnancy, with the earliest symptoms being nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue [1]. Abnormal pain and bleeding are often the first warning signs [2].
Other common symptoms
- Lower abdominal pain [3] (that may radiate down the hips and legs in some women)
- Vaginal bleeding that is often heavier or lighter than your period, characterized by dark red blood or brownish discharge. However, it is possible to mistake it for a late period [4].
- Lower back pain
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Pain during bowel movements and/or urination [5, 3]
- Low blood pressure, due to considerable internal bleeding [2]
Emergency warning signs
- Neck or shoulder tip pain, often noticeable when you lie down. It is caused when internal bleeding due to the ectopic pregnancy irritates the diaphragm (the phrenic nerve) [3]
- Sudden faintness or even a collapse due to internal bleeding caused by a ruptured fallopian tube [6]
Ectopic pregnancy pain characteristics
The principal characteristic of the abdominal pain associated with an ectopic pregnancy is that it usually occurs on one side of your lower abdomen [4]. It often comes as a sudden sharp stabbing pain that may be constant or may come and go [7]. However, some women may experience mild pain that gradually worsens, becoming severe and persistent [8].
- References +
- http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Ectopic_pregnancy
- http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/your_pregnancy/ectopic.html
- http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Ectopic-pregnancy/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
- http://www.ectopic.org.uk/patients/symptoms-and-diagnosis/
- http://www.patient.co.uk/health/ectopic-pregnancy-leaflet
- http://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/directory/e/ectopic-pregnancy
- http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?con=73
- http://www.marchofdimes.org/loss/ectopic-pregnancy.aspx