What is Ectopic Pregnancy?

When you learn you’re unexpectedly pregnant, you may be feeling shock or confusion. Or perhaps you are already considering your options and how to move forward.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at this stage. However, before making a pregnancy decision, it’s crucial to confirm critical details that will allow you to make an informed choice.

An ultrasound will tell you whether the pregnancy is progressing, how far along you are, and the pregnancy’s location. That last detail can detect whether you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, a condition that requires immediate medical treatment. 

Below, we’ll discuss what you should know about ectopic pregnancy. You can also schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment with EPIC Center to medically confirm your pregnancy and determine the next steps.

Ectopic Pregnancy: What to Look For

Normally, a fertilized egg implants in the uterus during pregnancy. There, it will grow and develop. With an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg is implanted in another location, such as the cervix, an ovary, or a fallopian tube. 

If you’re wondering whether you can immediately detect this condition based on initial pregnancy symptoms alone, the general answer is that you cannot. You’ll still receive a positive pregnancy test and experience common symptoms like nausea or fatigue.

However, you may notice other signs and symptoms as the egg grows. 

Early on, you may have:

• Pain on one side of the abdomen or pelvis (or in your lower back)
• Vaginal bleeding
• Abnormally low blood pressure
• Shoulder pain or the urge to have a bowel movement (if blood leaks from the fallopian tube)

Over time and without treatment, the tube could rupture. You could experience:

• Heavy bleeding inside your abdomen
• Extreme lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Shock

Treatment is Always Necessary

An ectopic pregnancy cannot survive, and without treatment, it can cause life-threatening bleeding. You may be experiencing an emergency situation if you have:

• Shoulder pain
• Extreme lightheadedness or fainting (as mentioned above, this could happen if the tube ruptures)
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain with vaginal bleeding

If your provider diagnoses you with this condition, you will receive medication or undergo a surgical procedure to treat it. Receiving prompt medical attention will help safeguard your health.

Your provider will also discuss any follow-up care or special considerations for the future. 

Numerous things can cause an ectopic pregnancy, like the fertilized egg developing abnormally or hormonal imbalances. Certain risk factors, like past infection of the fallopian tubes, certain sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, or getting pregnant while an IUD is still inserted, can increase your chances of experiencing one

Once you’ve had one ectopic pregnancy, your chances of having another one increase. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy pregnancy in the future. 

Keep in mind that experiencing a pregnancy loss is often emotionally difficult, so seeking additional support can help you during this time. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

No-Cost, Confidential Care

Limited ultrasounds are available after receiving a positive pregnancy test at EPIC Center. If you have an unexpected pregnancy, know we’re here for you amidst any uncertainty. 

The ultrasound will tell you where your pregnancy is located, among other crucial details. You’ll move forward with the essential information needed to stay safe and make a thoughtful pregnancy decision. 

EPIC Center is a compassionate, nonjudgmental resource for pregnancy and options information. We are a safe place to land when you are facing an unexpected pregnancy.

Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today. Remember: we are here for you.