Can you have an undetected ectopic pregnancy?
Can you have an undetected ectopic pregnancy?
How long can it go unnoticed? If it’s not picked up in a scan, an ectopic pregnancy can go unnoticed for the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, until the fertilised egg is large enough to cause significant pain. However, it usually creates symptoms earlier than this.
What happens if an ectopic pregnancy goes unnoticed?
If the ectopic pregnancy goes unnoticed and continues to grow, it can rupture a fallopian tube and cause severe bleeding. That’s why it’s essential to call your doctor right away if you think you’re experiencing ectopic pregnancy symptoms.
When would you become aware of an ectopic pregnancy?
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.
How long can an ectopic pregnancy last before it ruptures?
The structure containing the fetus typically ruptures after about 6 to 16 weeks, long before the fetus is able to live on its own. When an ectopic pregnancy ruptures, bleeding may be severe and even threaten the life of the woman.
Where would you feel ectopic pain?
Often, the first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are pain or vaginal bleeding. There might be pain in the pelvis, abdomen, or even the shoulder or neck (if blood from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy builds up and irritates certain nerves). The pain can range from mild and dull to severe and sharp.
Can you have ectopic pregnancy without bleeding?
However, if you experience typical pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, painful breasts or a swollen abdomen but no bleeding or pain, this does not completely rule out an ectopic pregnancy, although this is rare. A true period should be normal flow and duration for you.
