If you think you may be pregnant, understanding where your pregnancy is developing is an important part of protecting your health.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. Because an ectopic pregnancy cannot develop normally and can become a serious medical emergency, knowing the warning signs matters.
While we cannot diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, Pregnancy Help Center can provide free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds to help you get important details about your pregnancy, such as how far along you are, the location, and the viability.
Schedule a confidential appointment today.
What Are the Symptoms?
An ectopic pregnancy can initially feel like a typical early pregnancy. You may have a missed period, breast tenderness, nausea, or other common pregnancy symptoms.
As an ectopic pregnancy develops, symptoms may include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Pain or cramping on one side
- Lower back pain
More serious symptoms can occur if the fallopian tube ruptures. These may include sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, shoulder pain, weakness, dizziness, or fainting. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy can cause life-threatening internal bleeding and requires emergency medical treatment.
If you experience any of these warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately.
What Causes an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. In some cases, problems with the fallopian tubes can affect the movement of the fertilized egg and increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
You may be at higher risk of an ectopic pregnancy if you have previously had one, have a history of infertility, or smoke tobacco.
Some other risk factors that may cause an ectopic pregnancy include:
- Scar tissue, adhesions, or inflammation from a prior pelvic surgery
- A growth or blockage in the fallopian tube
- Damage to the fallopian tubes caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Being born with an irregularly shaped fallopian tube
How Is an Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?
A positive pregnancy test cannot tell you where your pregnancy is developing. It will show whether or not you have the hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), in your body, but not the location.
This is why an ultrasound is an important part of confirming an early pregnancy. It can help determine where the pregnancy is developing and identify findings that may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, allowing your healthcare provider to determine whether further evaluation or treatment is needed.
Get a Free Ultrasound at Pregnancy Help Center
Pregnancy Help Center is here to help you get important information about your pregnancy in a confidential and supportive environment. In addition to our free pregnancy services, we offer information about your options, prenatal and parenting education, and material support.
If you have symptoms that could indicate an ectopic pregnancy, seek medical care promptly rather than waiting for an appointment at our center. An ultrasound can help evaluate where the pregnancy is developing, and your healthcare provider can recommend appropriate treatment.
Get in touch to make your appointment. You don’t have to go through this alone.
