Symptoms of ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

Early stages of ectopic pregnancy may be difficult to distinguish from normal uterine pregnancy. There are missed menstrual periods or menstrual irregularity. Sometime after that there may be unexplained vaginal spotting or bleeding, lower abdominal pain and cramps. Later stages of ectopic pregnancy often reflect rupture of the area of pregnancy. This can lead to abdominal or pelvic bleeding. The symptoms include sudden, sharp lower abdominal pain caused by rupture of the fallopian tube. Bleeding in the abdomen may lead to shock. This produces pallor, rapid heart rate, light-headedness and dizziness. There may be abdominal swelling. Generalized abdominal pain develops as bleeding spreads in the abdominal cavity. Irritation of the diaphragm can lead to pain felt in the shoulders.