Ectopic pregnancy when do you know

Show references Cunningham FG, et al. Implantation and placental development. In: Williams Obstetrics. McGraw-Hill Education; Accessed Dec. Tulandi T. Ectopic pregnancy: Epidemiology, risk factors, and anatomic sites. Cunningham FG, et al. Ectopic pregnancy. Frequently asked questions. Pregnancy FAQ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Ectopic pregnancy: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis.

Burnett TL expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. Related Ectopic pregnancy. Associated Procedures Ultrasound. Explaining Ectopic Pregnancy: What are the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy? It is however very important that an ectopic pregnancy as the cause is excluded. If not diagnosed and treated quickly an ectopic pregnancy can lead to internal bleeding and a medical emergency.

Some experience symptoms that are similar to other conditions such as gastroenteritis tummy bug and miscarriage, which are the most common ways to misdiagnose an ectopic pregnancy. Not all experience symptoms. The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy may sometimes be difficult, and symptoms may occur from as early as 4 weeks pregnant and up to 12 weeks or even later. See the reasons for an ectopic pregnancy page for more information.

If your instincts are screaming at you that something does not feel right, it is OK to trust them and ask for reassessment at any time. Please do be vigilant and take any pain that concerns you seriously until absolutely proven otherwise. You can also view all the options for gaining professional help here. BSL version. Detailed general information can be found here on our website. Please remember that online medical information is no substitute for expert medical care from your own healthcare team.

If you have missed one or more periods, the most likely reason is that you have become pregnant, and it is progressing as it should.

However, if you experience typical pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, painful breasts or a swollen abdomen but no bleeding or pain, this does not completely rule out an ectopic pregnancy, although this is rare.

A true period should be normal flow and duration for you. A light period may be abnormal bleeding in pregnancy and should be investigated with a pregnancy test. The bleeding may be heavier or lighter than usual. When seeking medical attention, you will be asked for your last menstrual period which should be your last episode of a normal flow and duration bleeding. It is important that abnormal bleeding does not get confused with a normal period as health care professionals may think you are much less pregnant than you are.

Pregnancy test kits that are available now are very sensitive. They can be positive before you have missed your period. It is sensible to perform the test in the morning when urine contains the most pregnancy hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin or hCG. Very rarely a pregnancy test can give a falsely negative result. This is known as a rupture. Ruptures are very serious, and surgery to repair the fallopian tube needs to be carried out as soon as possible.

Page last reviewed: 27 November Next review due: 27 November Main symptoms You may have an ectopic pregnancy if you miss a period, have a positive pregnancy test , and have other signs of pregnancy , in addition to any of the symptoms listed below. Vaginal bleeding Vaginal bleeding tends to be a bit different to your regular period. Tummy pain You may experience tummy pain , typically low down on 1 side. But you should get medical advice if you have it and think you might be pregnant.

Shoulder tip pain Shoulder tip pain is an unusual pain felt where your shoulder ends and your arm begins. Discomfort when going to the toilet You may experience pain when going for a pee or poo.