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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
At first, an ectopic pregnancy might not cause any signs or symptoms. In other cases, early signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy might be the same as those of any pregnancy — a missed period, breast tenderness and nausea. If you take a pregnancy test, the result will be positive. Still, an ectopic pregnancy can't continue as normal.
Abdominal or pelvic pain and light vaginal bleeding are often the first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy. If blood leaks from the fallopian tube, it's also possible to feel shoulder pain or an urge to have a bowel movement — depending on where the blood pools or which nerves are irritated. Heavy vaginal bleeding is unlikely, unless the ectopic pregnancy occurs in the cervix.
If the fallopian tube ruptures, heavy bleeding inside the abdomen is likely — followed by lightheadedness, fainting and shock.
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency medical help if you experience any signs or symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, including:
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding
- Extreme lightheadedness or fainting
- Tulandi T. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of ectopic pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Tulandi T. Incidence, risk factors, and pathology of ectopic pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Tulandi T. Surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy and prognosis for subsequent fertility. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Tulandi T. Methotrexate treatment of tubal and interstitial ectopic pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Tulandi T. Expectant management of ectopic pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Verma U, et al. Conservative management of nontubal ectopic pregnancies. Fertility and Sterility. 2011;96:1391.
- Lobo RA. Ectopic pregnancy: Etiology, pathology, diagnosis, management, fertility prognosis. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1524/0.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Block SD. Grief and bereavement. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 15, 2011.
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