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Does Shoulder Pain Always Mean Ectopic Pregnancy?

August 14th, 2009 · 10 Comments · Pain

Anyone else experienced this? Mild shoulder pain during early pregnancy?

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10 Comments so far ↓

  • Sara

    The shoulder pain is usually caused from bleeding into the abdomen.(If it is an ectopic pregnancy) If you have other signs of ectopic pregnancy like cramping, bleeding and pain on one side of the abdomen or pelvic region then you need to call your dr. immediately. If it is just shoulder pain then I would still call and mention it, but it is probably not related to your pregnancy. Therefore, probably not ectopic. Good luck!

  • Mommy to 4 boys :)

    No it doesn’t. Shoulder pain can also be caused by many things. Gas for instance. When gas presses on the diaphragm it can cause the shoulder pain. Have you been gassy or experiencing heartburn? Bloating and gas are very common in early pregnancy. Some reasons for shoulder pain could be more serious. Keep an eye on your body and if it doesn’t go away or gets worse. See your Dr.
    Ectopic pregnancies are rare but do happen. Signs are extreme pain or cramping, bleeding and fainting. Most women are diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy before they even know they ar pregnant.

  • divine.a

    No it dosn’t, in fact I have never heard that one before. I had shoulder pain through out my entire pregnancy with my son. It could just be the hormones that are released during pregnancy that allow your joints to soften thus allowing the baby to pass through the birthing canal.

  • Timid Women Rarely Make History

    I didn’t. But that doesn’t mean it’s ectopic. How far along are you? If you’re already passed 10 weeks in your pregnancy,then in IMO,it’s a safe bet that you don’t have one. If you haven’t already,you need to make an appointment with an OBGYN in your area for prenatal care.

  • Alice

    Shoulder pain could also mean shoulder strain or injury, or that you just slept funny, or that the hormones are loosening your joints… If shoulder pain is your only symptom, you are probably fine…if you have others as well, then get checked out.

  • Strawber

    I had an ectopic preg. If it is indeed ectopic you can have shoulder pain caused by leaking blood. But at 4-5 week you’d be more than just shoulder pain. If you’re unsure go see your dr.

  • SunLove

    I had an ectopic pregnancy and later miscarried. I had no shoulder pain at all. No upper body pain for that matter.

  • Dalton's Mommy & #2 due 2/11

    I have no idea why shoulder pain would mean ectopic pregnancy. Really bad pain in your abdomen may be a symptom. The only way to know for sure is if you have an u/s.

  • L?My boy Lucio due 25/12/09

    I’ve herd it can indicate it yes.
    Speak with your GP if your concerned.

  • boss lady

    I heard si you bleed and it looks like prune juice and pain in your shoulder blades and also really bad cramping.