Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy occur early in the pregnancy, often before the woman realizes she is pregnant. In fact, the condition is often difficult to diagnose because its symptoms often mimic the normal symptoms of early pregnancy.

Common signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include:

• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region
  
  
• Mild cramping on one side of the pelvis
  
  
• Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
  
  
• Dysfunctional uterine bleeding 
  (typically menorrhagia)
  
  
• Breast pain or tenderness
  
  
• Nausea
  
  
• Frequent urination
  
  
• Lower back pain
  
  
• Tenderness in the uterine adnexal (fallopian tube or ovary region)
  
  
• Increased white blood cell count
  
  
• Decreased hematocrit (the proportion of the blood that consists of red blood cells)

Left untreated, ectopic pregnancy can lead to rupture and severe bleeding. As a result, signs and symptoms may become more severe, including:

• Severe, sharp and sudden pain in the lower abdominal area
• Feeling faint or fainting
• Low blood pressure
• Pain localized to the shoulder area
• Shock

Women who are pregnant, or think they may be pregnant, and experience any of these symptoms should contact their obstetrician-gynecologist (ObGyn). The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the earlier it can be treated and the lower the risk of serious complications.