What Are the Signs of a Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy?

Updated November 25, 2014.

Question: What Are the Signs of a Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy?

Answer:

If you are concerned that you may have a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, please go to the emergency room right away. An untreated ruptured ectopic pregnancy (also known as tubal pregnancy) can be fatal.

Specific signs of a ruptured tubal pregnancy include sharp stabbing pain in the pelvic region, lower abdomen, lower back, or shoulder (bleeding from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy can press on the diaphragm and create shoulder pain).

You may also experience nausea, dizziness, or vomiting.

If you are in early pregnancy and notice that you have any signs of ectopic pregnancy at all, ruptured or not, it is a wise move to call your doctor for a checkup -- but please be aware that a ruptured ectopic pregnancy is a true medical emergency and not something to be trifled with. When in doubt over whether this is what is going on, please go to the emergency room right away.
_Source:_{Ectopic and Molar Pregnancy. March of Dimes. Accessed: May 24, 2009. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1189.asp}