Do you get implantation cramps with ectopic pregnancy

In a normal pregnancy, the egg is fertilized in your fallopian tube. It then travels through the tube and lands in the uterus, where it starts growing. But in an ectopic pregnancy, the egg doesn’t make it to your uterus. Usually, it gets stuck in your fallopian tube, either because of a problem with your tube or the egg.

Sometimes, the fertilized egg implants in your ovary, cervix, or somewhere else in your abdomen.

Symptoms

At first you may not have any symptoms of an early ectopic pregnancy. They may seem very similar to a normal pregnancy. You might miss your period and have discomfort in your belly and tenderness in your breasts.

Only about half of women with an ectopic pregnancy will have all three of the main signs: a missed period, vaginal bleeding, and belly pain.

Other common symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include:

• Nausea and vomiting with pain
• Sharp abdominal cramps
• Pain on one side of your body
• Dizziness or weakness
• Pain in your shoulder, neck, or rectum

When to Call 911

Ectopic pregnancy can cause a fallopian tube to rupture. If that happens, you could have major pain and severe bleeding, and you would need medical care right away. Here are some possible signs of this:

• Pain in your rectum or an intense urge to have a bowel movement could mean you’re bleeding internally.
• Pain in your shoulder could also be an emergency. While it might not sound pregnancy-related, if one of your fallopian tubes bursts, blood can pool near your diaphragm and irritate nerves that run to your shoulder.
• If your pain is severe, sharp, and sudden, or if you feel lightheaded or dizzy, or if you’ve fainted, call 911 immediately. These are all signs you could be going into shock.

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy usually develop between the 4th and 12th weeks of pregnancy.

Some women don't have any symptoms at first. They may not find out they have an ectopic pregnancy until an early scan shows the problem or they develop more serious symptoms later on.

Main symptoms

You may have an ectopic pregnancy if you miss a period, have a positive pregnancy test, and have other signs of pregnancy.

Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you have a combination of any of these symptoms and you think you might be pregnant – even if you haven't had a positive pregnancy test.

Vaginal bleeding

Vaginal bleeding tends to be a bit different to your regular period. It often starts and stops, and may be watery and dark brown in colour.

Some women mistake this bleeding for a regular period and don't realise they're pregnant.

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is relatively common and isn't necessarily a sign of a serious problem, but you should seek medical advice if you experience it.

Tummy pain

You may experience tummy pain, typically low down on one side. It can develop suddenly or gradually, and may be persistent or come and go.

Tummy pain can have lots of causes, including stomach bugs and trapped wind, so it doesn't necessarily mean you have an ectopic pregnancy.

But you should get medical advice if you have it and think you might be pregnant.

Shoulder tip pain

Shoulder tip pain is an unusual pain felt where your shoulder ends and your arm begins.

It's not known exactly why it occurs, but it can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy causing some internal bleeding, so you should get medical advice right away if you experience it.

Discomfort when going to the toilet

You may experience pain when going for a pee or poo. You may also have diarrhoea.

Some changes to your normal bladder and bowel patterns are normal during pregnancy, and these symptoms can be caused by urinary tract infections and stomach bugs.

But it's still a good idea to seek medical advice if you experience these symptoms and think you might be pregnant.

Symptoms of a rupture

In a few cases, an ectopic pregnancy can grow large enough to split open the fallopian tube. This is known as a rupture.

Ruptures are very serious, and surgery to repair the fallopian tube needs to be carried out as soon as possible.

Signs of a rupture include a combination of:

• a sharp, sudden and intense pain in your tummy
• feeling very dizzy or fainting
• feeling sick

Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department immediately if you experience these symptoms.