Ectopic Pregnancy

An early ectopic pregnancy often feels like a normal pregnancy. A woman with an ectopic pregnancy may experience common signs of early pregnancy, such as:

• A missed menstrual period.
• Tender breasts.
• Fatigue.
• Nausea.
• Increased urination.

First signs of an ectopic pregnancy may include:

• Vaginal bleeding, which may be light.
• Abdominal (belly) pain or pelvic pain, usually 6 to 8 weeks after a missed period.

As an Reference ectopic pregnancy Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window progresses, though, other symptoms may develop, including:

• Belly pain or pelvic pain that may get worse with movement or straining. It may occur sharply on one side at first and then spread throughout the pelvic region.
• Heavy or severe vaginal bleeding.
• Pain with intercourse or during a pelvic exam.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting (syncope) caused by internal bleeding.
• Reference Signs of shock Opens New Window.
• Shoulder pain caused by bleeding into the abdomen under the Reference diaphragm Opens New Window. The bleeding irritates the diaphragm and is experienced as shoulder pain.

Symptoms of Reference miscarriage Opens New Window often are similar to symptoms experienced in early ectopic pregnancy. For more information, see the topic Reference Miscarriage.

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