If you have a positive pregnancy test, you may have questions about how your pregnancy is developing and where the pregnancy is located.
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. An ectopic pregnancy cannot continue normally and can become a serious medical emergency.
Knowing the warning signs can help you recognize when prompt medical care is needed. First Choice Pregnancy Center provides free medical-grade pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds to help you learn more about your pregnancy.
Schedule a confidential appointment at our center today. We are here to help.
Read on to learn more about the signs of ectopic pregnancy and how to identify if your pregnancy could be ectopic.
What Are the Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy can be difficult to recognize at first because you may not feel anything unusual. You might simply notice that your period is late, your breasts feel tender, or you’re feeling nauseous, just as you might with a typical pregnancy.
As the pregnancy develops, however, symptoms can begin to change. You may notice:
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Pain in your pelvis or abdomen
- Pain that feels stronger on one side
- Pain that travels to your shoulder
These symptoms can be easy to dismiss, especially when you’re already trying to make sense of a new pregnancy. But they shouldn’t be ignored. An ectopic pregnancy can become dangerous if the pregnancy ruptures and causes internal bleeding.
A rupture may cause sudden, severe pain in your abdomen or pelvis. You may also feel extremely dizzy, weak, or lightheaded, or you may faint. Seek emergency medical care right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Why Does an Ectopic Pregnancy Happen?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus instead of attaching to the lining inside the uterus. Most often, this happens in the fallopian tube.
Sometimes there is no obvious reason why an ectopic pregnancy occurs. Normally, a fertilized egg travels through a fallopian tube toward the uterus. Damage, inflammation, or other changes affecting the tube can interfere with this process and may contribute to implantation outside the uterus.
Certain circumstances can make an ectopic pregnancy more likely. These include having had an ectopic pregnancy before, an infection or inflammation affecting the reproductive organs, surgery involving the fallopian tubes, fertility treatment, or smoking.
Untreated STDs can raise the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. First Choice Pregnancy Center also provides STD testing and treatment at a small cost to help you protect your reproductive health.
You can have an ectopic pregnancy even if none of these risk factors apply to you. Having no known risk factors does not guarantee that an ectopic pregnancy cannot occur.
How Do I Know If My Pregnancy Is Ectopic?
You cannot determine whether you have an ectopic pregnancy based on symptoms alone. A pregnancy test can confirm that you are pregnant, but it cannot show where the pregnancy is developing.
If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, a healthcare provider may use blood tests that measure hCG along with an ultrasound to determine where the pregnancy is developing.
A limited ultrasound can provide information about the pregnancy, including gestational age, location, and signs of development. First Choice Pregnancy Center offers free limited ultrasound services for this purpose.
While we cannot diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, our limited ultrasound can provide important information about your pregnancy and help identify when you may need additional medical care.
If you have a positive pregnancy test along with pain or bleeding, contact a healthcare professional promptly.
Get Answers at First Choice Pregnancy Center
A new pregnancy can bring questions about your health and what comes next. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away.
First Choice Pregnancy Center offers free pregnancy services to help you understand more about your pregnancy. You can also talk with our team about your pregnancy and options in a confidential setting.
We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and give you a safe place to consider what comes next. Contact us to make an appointment.
