Hi all,
I am in the two week wait to test for pregnancy. My right shoulder has started aching. It feels like it’s in my joint. I have no other odd symptoms. Given my previous ectopic, I am anxious and paranoid. I guess I am looking for comfort and help understanding what to look for. Thanks. This site has been a great source of comfort.
Dear Mpr521,
We have more information on shoulder tip pain in our website which I have copied here for you.
shoulder tip pain related to ectopic pregnancy tends to develop suddenly.
Significant shoulder tip pain tends to develop with other symptoms such as feeling unwell, abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, faintness, abdominal bloating and fullness, pain when opening your bowels.
It is caused by internal bleeding irritating the diaphragm (the muscle in your chest which helps you to breathe) when you breathe in and out. Shoulder tip pain is exactly where it says – not the neck or the back but the tip of your shoulder. If you look to the left over your shoulder and then cast your eyes down, the tip of your shoulder is where your shoulder ends and your arm starts.
Shoulders cause pain when we are stressed because we hold ourselves more rigidly and muscles in the back and neck go in to spasm or you may have slept in an awkward position – this is most likely not shoulder tip pain related to an ectopic pregnancy. Shoulder tip pain is very distinctive. You know when you have it because it is a very weird pain you have probably never experienced before.
Unfortunately I am not medically trained so cannot give you specific advice and if you are concerned, please speak to a medical professional.
Sending much love,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
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Thanks, Karen this is helpful. I called my GP to be safe, but I haven’t heard from her yet so your reply is giving my comfort while I wait.