Signs and Symptoms of Ectopic and Molar Pregnancy

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a complication in pregnancy where the baby (medically defined as an embryo) implants outside the uterus. 1% of pregnancies will implant outside the uterus and out of those 1% – 98% occur in the Fallopian tube.  Except in rare circumstances, ectopic pregnancies are not viable and will end either in a miscarriage or medical intervention will be necessary through medication (methotrexate) or surgery may be necessary to prevent (or treat) Fallopian tube rupture. Due to medical diagnostic abilities most ectopic pregnancies are diagnosed between 5-8 weeks gestation.

Signs & Symptoms:

Early Signs:

• Pain in lower abdomen – could feel like stomach or menstrual cramps
• Pain during urination
• Pain during bowel movement
• Mild vaginal bleeding – due to falling progesterone levels

Later Signs:

• Larger vaginal bleeding – again due to falling progesterone levels
• Internal bleeding if tubes have ruptured
• Pain in the lower back and pelvis
• Shoulder pain (called ‘shoulder tip pain’ caused by free blood in abdomen)
• Cramping on one side of the pelvis and tender to the touch

Molar Pregnancy

Signs & Symptoms:

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