What should you know about manifestations of ectopic pregnancy?

Symptoms may begin after a missed period or a positive pregnancy test, but timing varies. Pelvic or abdominal pain can be stronger on one side. Vaginal bleeding, shoulder-tip pain, weakness, or feeling faint can also occur. Some people have few symptoms at first.

A pelvic pain symptom does not by itself establish an ectopic pregnancy; infection, ovarian conditions, and other causes can overlap. Pelvic inflammatory disease is one condition that can affect the fallopian tubes and is worth discussing when relevant.

If pregnancy is possible and you have pain or bleeding, contact a maternity or emergency service promptly for assessment. Clinicians may use pregnancy hormone testing and a [Transvaginal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/transvaginal-ultrasound/) to locate the pregnancy and check for internal bleeding.

Do not wait for symptoms to become severe. Treatment may involve monitoring, medicine, or surgery depending on the findings. A [Salpingectomy](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/salpingectomy/) removes a fallopian tube when that operation is needed.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for sudden severe abdominal pain, collapse, fainting, marked dizziness, shoulder-tip pain with weakness, or heavy bleeding. These can indicate rupture and internal bleeding.

Even mild symptoms need prompt advice when pregnancy is possible. Read more about [Ectopic Pregnancy](/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/), [Pelvic Pain](/symptoms/pelvic-pain/), and [Pelvic Inflammatory Disease](/conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/).

Ask where the pregnancy appears to be located, whether repeat blood tests or ultrasound are needed, which symptoms mean immediate emergency care, and how each treatment option may affect future fertility.