What are the early warning signs for an ectopic pregnancy?

Often, the first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. If blood leaks from the fallopian tube, you may feel shoulder pain or an urge to have a bowel movement. Your specific symptoms depend on where the blood collects and which nerves are irritated.

What is ectopic pregnancy pain like?

Often, the first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are pain or vaginal bleeding. There might be pain in the pelvis, abdomen, or even the shoulder or neck (if blood from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy builds up and irritates certain nerves). The pain can range from mild and dull to severe and sharp.

How long can an ectopic pregnancy go unnoticed?

The fetus rarely survives longer than a few weeks because tissues outside the uterus do not provide the necessary blood supply and structural support to promote placental growth and circulation to the developing fetus. If it’s not diagnosed in time, generally between 6 and 16 weeks, the fallopian tube will rupture.

Where is ectopic pain located?

The most common symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are bleeding or spotting during the first trimester and abdominal pain, says Dr. Levie. The pain usually appears in the lower abdomen or pelvic region – often localized on one side of the body.

Does cramping on one side always mean ectopic?

An ectopic pregnancy often feels like a typical pregnancy in the beginning, with symptoms including mild cramping, breast tenderness and nausea. But if the cramping is severe and only happening on one side of the body, that could signal an ectopic pregnancy.

How early can you feel an ectopic pregnancy?

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy usually occur around the sixth or seventh week, which is when the general symptoms of pregnancy usually start. Some symptoms can be detected as early as four weeks, however.

How soon should you check for ectopic pregnancy?

In most cases, an ectopic pregnancy will be discovered by the 8th week of pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy causes sharp pelvic and/or stomach pain, which becomes more intense with strenuous movement.

Could it be sign of ectopic pregnancy?

Vaginal bleeding is often the first symptom of an ectopic pregnancy, though it may also be described as spotting and can be different than a normal period. The blood may or may not have clots. Heavy bleeding could indicate a miscarriage. A woman who is pregnant, or one who could be, and experiencing any unexpected bleeding should consult a doctor.

What are symtoms of early pregnancy?

Many of the symptoms of early pregnancy, like breast tenderness, fatigue, mood swings, mild cramping, back pain, and others, are also symptoms that women may experience with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or after ovulation in the days prior to their menstrual period.