An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg attaches somewhere other than inside the uterus—typically in a fallopian tube. However, ectopic pregnancies can also implant inside the cervix, ovary, or abdominal cavity.
While they only happen in about 1 in 50 pregnancies (2%), it’s vital to be aware of this condition because it can lead to life-threatening bleeding if left untreated. Thankfully, ultrasound technology makes detecting an ectopic pregnancy straightforward.
Continue reading to learn how an ultrasound detects an ectopic pregnancy. Also, if you just found out you’re pregnant, confirm your pregnancy’s location by visiting HOPE Pregnancy Center today in Philadelphia.
Detecting an Ectopic Pregnancy
An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create an image of the inside structures of your body, and it can provide real-time images of a developing pregnancy.
A trained ultrasound technician, sonographer, or other medical professional will be able to detect an ectopic pregnancy by looking for certain warning signs. One of the most obvious signs is an empty uterine cavity.
If you have enough of the pregnancy hormone hCG to trigger a positive pregnancy test, but you have an empty uterus, the fertilized egg could have attached somewhere else. There are other technical signs a health professional may detect with an ultrasound, and they may also order blood testing to check if hCG levels are rising or falling.
Why Does This Matter if You’re Considering an Abortion?
Even though ectopic pregnancies are considered rare, they can quickly become medical emergencies. No matter what option you’re considering, receiving an ultrasound scan can ensure you don’t have an ectopic pregnancy.
Other important facts to note:
- A medical abortion does not treat an ectopic pregnancy because the pregnancy is located outside the uterus.
- Because medical abortion drugs trigger vaginal bleeding, it can make it seem like the procedure went to plan when in reality, an ectopic pregnancy remains.
- An online abortion provider might not require an ultrasound scan before an abortion. This should be a red flag that you could be jeopardizing your safety.
Receive an Ultrasound at HOPE Pregnancy Center
A no-cost ultrasound at a HOPE Pregnancy Center confirms whether your pregnancy is progressing, verifies your pregnancy’s location, and measures your pregnancy’s gestational age (how far along you are). However, we do not diagnose ectopic pregnancies.
Instead, if we notice any warning signs or anything out of the ordinary, we will refer you to your nearest emergency room for an immediate health assessment. Your long-term health depends on it.
Schedule your no-cost appointment today. We can provide early pregnancy services and information on all your pregnancy options and resources.