What is a common clinical complaint in cases of ectopic pregnancy?

In cases of ectopic pregnancy, one of the hallmark clinical complaints is lower abdominal pain, which is often accompanied by vaginal bleeding. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This can lead to stretching and potential rupture of the tube as the pregnancy grows, causing significant pain in the lower abdomen.

Additionally, the bleeding occurs as the tissue becomes damaged and the body responds to the abnormal pregnancy. This combination of lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding is indicative of a possible ectopic pregnancy and is a key factor in prompting further investigation, such as an ultrasound, to confirm the diagnosis.

Severe back pain, shoulder pain, and persistent cough are less commonly associated with ectopic pregnancy. While shoulder pain can sometimes occur due to referred pain from diaphragmatic irritation, it is not as primary or prevalent as the abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.