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Ectopic Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms

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 

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