An ectopic pregnancy implants in the fallopian tube — a space that cannot grow. The danger: the tube can rupture and bleed internally, sometimes before the woman even knows she's pregnant. Early detection saves both life and fertility.
In short — what to do
- A home pregnancy test immediately for any lower pain with a late period — two minutes change the whole assessment.
- Positive + pain? Urgent assessment today — an early ultrasound settles the location.
- Nothing to eat or drink if the pain is severe — surgery is possible.
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The full details
When to suspect it
- One-sided lower abdominal pain with a late or unusual period.
- Unexplained light spotting or bleeding.
- Strange shoulder-tip pain — a sign of blood pooling under the diaphragm.
- Dizziness or fainting with the pain — a rupture alarm.
- Risk factors: previous ectopic, tubal surgery, pregnancy with an IUD, IVF.
What to do
- A home pregnancy test immediately for any lower pain with a late period — two minutes change the whole assessment.
- Positive + pain? Urgent assessment today — an early ultrasound settles the location.
- Nothing to eat or drink if the pain is severe — surgery is possible.
998 immediately if
- Sudden sharp pain with dizziness, fainting, or cold sweat.
- Shoulder-tip pain with the abdominal pain.
- Pallor and racing pulse — internal bleeding may show nothing externally.
One moment
The most dangerous sentence in this file: "I can't possibly be pregnant." In the ER we test every childbearing-age abdominal pain — do the same at home: pregnancy test first, then the rest of the thinking.
This content is for general health education only and is not medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 998.