Ectopic Pregnancy: 10 Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

pregnant woman in pain

An ectopic pregnancy, sometimes called a tubal pregnancy, happens when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the lining of the uterus. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube, but other places where an ectopic can implant are the abdominal cavity, ovary, or cervix.


Ectopic pregnancies are sometimes difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are similar to normal pregnancy symptoms, and some women do not show symptoms at all. When a pregnancy starts to develop somewhere other than the uterus, there is no room for the placenta to attach or for the pregnancy to grow and develop properly.


A pregnancy that develops inside the fallopian tube will eventually rupture if left untreated. Complications from a ruptured tube can be life-threatening. In fact, ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal death in the first trimester. A ruptured tube is a medical emergency.


Here are ten ectopic pregnancy symptoms you should not ignore.


1. Vaginal Spotting or Bleeding


One of the first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy is spotting or bleeding. Although bleeding in early pregnancy does not always mean there is something wrong with the pregnancy, if you have spotting or bleeding, you should report this to your doctor. Some other causes of spotting during pregnancy are implantation bleeding, subchorionic hematoma, irritation of the cervix, or miscarriage.


2. Slow-rising hCG Levels


Your doctor may run a quantitative hCG test in early pregnancy if you are having vaginal spotting or if he suspects ectopic pregnancy. Slow-rising hCG levels can be an indicator of an ectopic pregnancy. During a normal pregnancy, hCG levels will double every two to three days in early pregnancy. With an ectopic pregnancy, hCG levels may rise but they tend to go up slowly without doubling like they should. If your hCG levels are low or not doubling. your doctor may order more blood work or an ultrasound to rule out ectopic pregnancy or other complications.


3. Cramping


woman cramping early pregnancy


Mild cramping during early pregnancy is normal, but severe cramping or cramping accompanied with spotting is not normal and could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Cramping may be on one side or may feel like menstrual cramps.


4. Dizziness


Dizziness is another sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Dizziness may be a result of internal bleeding. Dizziness can also be caused by not eating enough, being anemic, or not getting enough sleep.


5. Pain on one Side


Pain on one side is something that you should alert your doctor about. Women may notice mild to severe abdominal pain located on one side. Not all women with ectopic pregnancies will notice pain. However, once the tube has ruptured, the pain will become more severe.


6. Rectal Pressure, Gas Pain, or Feeling Constipated


Sometimes the pain from an ectopic can be mistaken for gas pain or constipation. If internal bleeding has occurred, this can put pressure on the rectal area and can be mistaken for gas pain or constipation. If you are having severe gas pain during early pregnancy don’t dismiss this. Call your doctor.


7. Low Blood Pressure


If the ectopic pregnancy goes undiagnosed and there is internal bleeding, this can cause a woman’s blood pressure to drop. She may feel short of breath, suffer from fatigue, or experience in blood pressure.


8. Shoulder Pain


Shoulder pain may result after the ectopic pregnancy has ruptured. The internal bleeding caused from the rupturing may cause irritation of the nerves, which often results in shoulder pain. Shoulder pain is an indicator that the tube has already ruptured, so if you notice shoulder pain (especially if it is accompanied with other ectopic pregnancy symptoms) you should seek immediate medical attention.


9. Nausea


Nausea is also a symptom of ectopic pregnancy. Because morning sickness is common during early pregnancy, this symptom may be hard to distinguish from normal pregnancy symptoms.


10. Shock


If the fallopian tube ruptures, a woman will have internal bleeding and may go into shock from all of the bleeding. Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening. A ruptured tube will require hospitalization, surgery, and possibly a blood transfusion. If you have any symptoms of shock, such as cold clammy skin, anxiety, dizziness, sweating, feeling weak, fainting, or having a rapid but weak pulse, you should call 911 immediately.