What is a key sign of an ectopic pregnancy?

A key sign of an ectopic pregnancy is severe abdominal pain. This type of pain often arises due to the growth of the embryo outside the uterus, commonly in a fallopian tube, which can lead to tube rupture or hemorrhage. The acute onset of sharp, often unilateral abdominal pain is a distinguishing characteristic of this condition. In the context of an ectopic pregnancy, this pain may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or signs of internal bleeding, depending on the severity and progression of the situation.

While increased fetal movement would typically indicate an ongoing, healthy pregnancy, it does not apply to ectopic pregnancies, as there is no viable embryo within the uterus. Normal hCG levels are also misleading; while hCG may initially rise, levels tend to be lower in ectopic pregnancies compared to normal intrauterine pregnancies. Lastly, the absence of menstrual bleeding might be true in some early ectopic cases, but many women may still experience bleeding or spotting despite being pregnant. Thus, the presence of severe abdominal pain serves as a critical and prominent indicator of an ectopic pregnancy that necessitates immediate medical attention.