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Early Signs of an Etopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants in an area of your body outside of the uterus. Usually the egg will implant in your fallopian tubes, but at rare times can implant in the cervix, fallopian tubes or abdomen. Early signs should be treated seriously, as untreated ectopic pregnancies may lead to severe complications.

  1. Spotting

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, light brown vaginal spotting is an early sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

    Cramping

    • According to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, cramping is an early sign of an ectopic pregnancy and usually affects only one side of the lower abdomen or pelvis.

    Fainting and Dizziness

    • Once your fallopian tube ruptures, dizziness, weakness, fainting or feeling faint are all signs of ectopic pregnancy.

    Shoulder pain

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, shoulder pain is an early sign of ectopic pregnancy, which is usually caused by blood building up under your diaphragm.

    Abnormal Bleeding

    • Abnormal vaginal bleeding, which is inconsistent with regular menstruation and accompanied by other ectopic pregnancy signs, is an early symptom of a possible ectopic pregnancy.

    Nausea and Vomiting

    • Nausea and vomiting is another early sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which may be difficult to differentiate from typical morning sickness of pregnancy.

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