Symptoms of Ectopic pregnancy

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The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy usually start with cramping period-like pains and slight vaginal bleeding occurring around two weeks after your first missed period. Symptoms usually occur between weeks 4 and 10 of pregnancy â€“ and you may not even be aware that you are pregnant, so at first you may think that cramps and bleeding are simply your period.

Bleeding is usually slightly different from your normal period â€“ either heavier or lighter, and the blood may be darker than usual.

Cramps and bleeding are similar symptoms to miscarriage, which is much more likely than an ectopic pregnancy. But if you also have severe pain, particularly on one side of the lower abdomen, an ectopic pregnancy must be considered.

If the ectopic pregnancy is not found and treated soon enough, the embryo grows and causes the fallopian tube to stretch. If this happens the tube may rupture (split), causing further symptoms including:

sudden, severe pain that gradually spreads throughout the abdomen;
pain in the shoulder, caused by blood leaking into the abdomen and irritating the muscles of the diaphragm;
shock caused by sudden internal bleeding;
sweating, light-headedness and feeling faint; and
diarrhoea or blood in the stools.