Ectopic pregnancy and shoulder pain is an indication that the fallopian tubes may have ruptured. Read more about it from the following women's health care article.

One of the serious complications related to pregnancy is ectopic pregnancy. It has been found, ectopic pregnancy occurs in 1 out of every 100 pregnancies. This is a life-threatening condition that requires medical attention. If left untreated, it could lead to serious complications. There are many symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. One of the late symptoms of ectopic pregnancy is shoulder pain. Ectopic pregnancy and shoulder pain indicate that there is internal bleeding due to rupture of the fallopian tube.

What is Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus is called ectopic. A fertilized egg travels down from the fallopian tube to the uterus. When it reaches the uterus, it implants itself in the uterine lining for further growth. However, if the fertilized egg is not able to travel down the fallopian tube, it tends to grow in the tube itself. Thus, an ectopic pregnancy is also called a tubal pregnancy. In rare cases, an ectopic pregnancy also occurs in other places within the abdomen. This includes within the ovary, or in the abdominal cavity. These are also very dangerous circumstances that can lead to miscarriage and death of the mother.

An ectopic pregnancy almost always ends up with a miscarriage. This is because the fetus dies within a few days and in some cases the women never realizes she was pregnant. She may experience vague symptoms such as pain in abdomen and vaginal bleeding, that indicates miscarriage. When the fertilized egg grows within the fallopian tube, it results in symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. It is important to note the early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and seek medical help. The late symptoms of tubal pregnancies, often require emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

Here, it is important to understand the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. This is because shoulder pain itself is a symptom of ectopic pregnancy in its late stage. An early ectopic pregnancy usually feels like a normal pregnancy. The pregnant woman misses her periods, experiences tender breasts, fatigue, nausea and has increased frequency of urination. As the pregnancy progresses, it causes abdominal pain after about 6 to 8 weeks of missing periods. This pain worsens with movement, or while straining. Some women observe light or heavy vaginal bleeding. They may even experience pain during intercourse, dizziness, lightheartedness and even suffer from fainting spells. Internal bleeding causes women to suffer from sharp pain in the abdomen, increase in heart rate, bloating, hard abdomen, shoulder pain and shock.

Shoulder Pain During Ectopic Pregnancy

Shoulder pain indicate that the fallopian tube might have ruptured. This rupture occurs due to the pressure on the tubal muscles by the growing fertilized egg. The uterus is the only organ capable enough to expand and house a growing fetus. If the egg develops in any other organ, it is bound to lead to complications. When the fallopian tube ruptures, it leads to internal bleeding. This bleeding causes nerve irritation that leads to shoulder pain. The nerves of the diaphragm are the ones that are irritated by the blood leaking into the abdomen. The effect of these nerves is felt in the shoulder and thus, resulting in pain. Any women that suffers from sharp shoulder pain along with other symptoms of tubal pregnancy, should immediately visit a hospital. Shoulder pain is the warning sign that the fallopian tube has ruptured.

Ectopic pregnancies are very difficult to spot as they generally behave like normal pregnancies. An ultrasound examination often reveals tubal pregnancy. Some women experience all, or most of the symptoms, and some show no symptoms at all. An ectopic pregnancy never survives and there is no method or procedure that can save it. The location is generally on one side of the abdomen. In most cases, only one shoulder develops a sharp, intense pain. If one experiences any kind of pain and unusual bleeding during pregnancy, they should immediately dial the emergency number.