Ectopic pregnancy typically occurs within the first few weeks of pregnancy and is often diagnosed within the first eight weeks. While some typical early pregnancy symptoms like nausea and breast tenderness may be present, in some cases of tubal pregnancy, initial symptoms may not be evident. It’s usually around a week after a missed period that symptoms become noticeable:
- Abdominal or Pelvic Pain:
- Pain in the lower abdomen, often on one side, or in the pelvic area is a common early sign of ectopic pregnancy. The intensity of pain may vary, but it is consistently present in ectopic pregnancies.
- Vaginal Bleeding:
- Early symptoms may include vaginal bleeding, typically brownish in color, ranging from light spotting to heavy bleeding.
- Shoulder and Neck Pain:
- Shoulder and neck pain can also indicate ectopic pregnancy, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms. This pain can occur due to irritation of nerves caused by a ruptured fallopian tube, a serious and potentially fatal complication of ectopic pregnancy.
- Dizziness:
- Dizziness and weakness are common symptoms of pregnancy, but in ectopic pregnancy, they may be primarily due to blood loss and should be addressed promptly.
- Low Blood Pressure:
- Women with ectopic pregnancy often report low blood pressure, mainly resulting from internal bleeding following the rupture of the fallopian tube.
- hCG Levels:
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a pregnancy hormone produced in early pregnancy. In a normal pregnancy, hCG levels double every 2 to 3 days. However, in ectopic pregnancy, the rise in hCG levels is slower.
Without early detection and treatment, symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can worsen over time. However, prompt medical intervention can prevent fallopian tube rupture and minimize the risk of complications.