Very early signs of ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the main cavity of the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. Early symptoms can include a missed period or positive pregnancy test, light vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain that is stronger on one side, shoulder-tip pain or discomfort when passing urine or stool. Some people have no symptoms initially. Pelvic pain has many possible causes, including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, so symptoms cannot establish the diagnosis alone.

If pregnancy is possible and you have pelvic pain or bleeding, contact a healthcare service promptly and explain the date of your last period, test results and symptom pattern. Assessment may include repeat pregnancy hormone tests and a Transvaginal Ultrasound; an early scan may not yet show the pregnancy location. Avoid delaying care while waiting for symptoms to become clearer. Keep someone informed if you feel unwell and follow the clinician's instructions about repeat testing.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for sudden or severe abdominal pain, fainting, marked dizziness, shoulder-tip pain with weakness, heavy bleeding, or pale, clammy skin. These can signal internal bleeding. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint. Prompt treatment may involve medicine or surgery; a Salpingectomy is one surgical option when a damaged fallopian tube must be removed.

Ask where the pregnancy appears to be, whether hormone levels need repeating, when an ultrasound should be repeated and which symptoms mean you should return immediately. If treatment is discussed, ask how it affects follow-up, fertility and future pregnancy planning.