Finding out you’re pregnant can bring a lot of questions, especially if you’re unsure how your pregnancy is developing. One important thing to understand is where the pregnancy is located.
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a pregnancy implants somewhere outside the main cavity of the uterus. Most often, the pregnancy becomes lodged in a fallopian tube instead of reaching the uterus.
The problem is that a fallopian tube cannot provide the space a pregnancy needs to grow. As the pregnancy develops, the tube can stretch and eventually rupture, causing internal bleeding that can become life-threatening.
Hope Pregnancy Center offers free clinical pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to provide more information. While our ultrasound cannot diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, it may identify findings that need further medical evaluation.
If you experience any of the severe symptoms listed below, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care right away.
Schedule an appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy and discuss your questions with our team.
Early Symptoms Can Be Difficult to Spot
An ectopic pregnancy does not always cause noticeable symptoms right away. In the early stages, you may feel completely normal or notice symptoms you would expect with any pregnancy, such as a missed period, nausea, or breast tenderness.
As the pregnancy continues, you may notice something feels different. Possible symptoms include:
- Spotting or vaginal bleeding
- Pain in your abdomen or pelvis
- Pain that is concentrated on one side
- Shoulder pain
These symptoms can happen for reasons other than an ectopic pregnancy, so experiencing them does not necessarily mean that is what is happening. Still, bleeding or pain during pregnancy is something you should discuss with a healthcare provider rather than simply waiting for it to go away.
If an ectopic pregnancy causes the fallopian tube to bleed, the blood can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain in unexpected places, including the shoulder or rectum. You may also feel pressure or an urge to have a bowel movement. The symptoms you experience can vary depending on where the bleeding occurs and which nerves are affected.
When Is an Ectopic Pregnancy an Emergency?
An ectopic pregnancy can become a medical emergency if it ruptures and causes internal bleeding.
A rupture may cause sudden, severe pain in the abdomen or pelvis. You may also experience significant dizziness, weakness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Shoulder pain can also occur when internal bleeding irritates the diaphragm.
If you are pregnant and experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Do not wait for symptoms to become more severe before seeking help. Prompt evaluation is important when an ectopic pregnancy is suspected.
What Can Increase the Risk of an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy can happen to anyone, including women who have no known risk factors. However, certain factors can increase the likelihood.
These may include:
- Having had an ectopic pregnancy in the past
- Damage or surgery involving the fallopian tubes
- Pelvic infections or pelvic inflammatory disease
- Certain fertility treatments
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Smoking
If you have concerns about your pregnancy or have experienced any of these risk factors, talk with a healthcare professional.
How Is an Ectopic Pregnancy Identified?
A positive pregnancy test confirms that you are pregnant, but it does not show where the pregnancy is located.
If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, a healthcare professional may use an ultrasound and blood tests to evaluate the pregnancy. Identifying an ectopic pregnancy early can help reduce the risk of serious complications.
An ultrasound at our center can provide information about the pregnancy, including the gestational age, location, and development.
While our ultrasound cannot diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, it can provide important information about your pregnancy and help identify when you may need additional medical care.
Get a Clearer Picture of Your Pregnancy
Knowing how far along your pregnancy is and whether the pregnancy is developing in the uterus can give you important information and affect your next steps.
Hope Pregnancy Center provides free pregnancy services, including ultrasounds in a confidential environment. Our team can answer your questions, provide information about your pregnancy, and help you understand your options.
Contact us to make an appointment.