Which symptom is indicative of an ectopic pregnancy?

Severe abdominal pain on one side is indicative of an ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus—most commonly in the fallopian tube. As the pregnancy grows, it can cause sharp, localized pain, particularly on one side of the abdomen where the ectopic implantation has occurred. This pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, but the unilateral abdominal pain is a key symptom that healthcare providers look for when diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy.

The other choices, while they can indicate different medical conditions, are not specific to ectopic pregnancies. Consistent fever and chills might suggest an infection but are not characteristic of an ectopic pregnancy. Excessive menstrual bleeding typically relates to issues within the uterus rather than an ectopic situation. Recurring headaches can stem from various causes, including stress or hormonal changes, but they do not specifically relate to ectopic pregnancy. Thus, the presence of severe abdominal pain on one side stands out as a significant and often urgent indicator that necessitates evaluation for ectopic pregnancy.