What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

If you’ve recently found out you’re pregnant, you’ve probably started thinking about your next steps. Whether your pregnancy was planned or unexpected, one of the most important things you can do early on is to get an ultrasound to ensure you’re not experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening emergency that can feel like a typical pregnancy early on.

While most pregnancies develop normally inside the uterus, there are rare cases where a pregnancy develops somewhere else. This is called an ectopic pregnancy. Read on to learn more about what it is, what symptoms to watch for, and how it’s diagnosed.

What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus instead of inside it. Most ectopic pregnancies develop in one of the fallopian tubes, although they can also occur in other areas of the reproductive system.

Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy cannot continue normally because these areas are not designed to support a growing pregnancy. A growing ectopic pregnancy can cause the fallopian tube or surrounding tissue to rupture, leading to severe internal bleeding and other serious complications.

Although rare, ectopic pregnancies require immediate medical attention. That’s why confirming the location of your pregnancy via ultrasound is an important part of early pregnancy care.

What Are the Signs of an Ectopic Pregnancy?

In the early weeks, an ectopic pregnancy may feel just like a typical pregnancy. You may have a missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, or a positive pregnancy test.

As the pregnancy progresses, however, you may begin to experience symptoms such as:

• Sharp or severe pain in your abdomen or pelvis
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding
• Shoulder pain
• Dizziness, weakness, or fainting
• Urge to have a bowel movement

If you are pregnant and experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. 

How Is an Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?

A home pregnancy test can tell you that you’re pregnant, but it cannot tell you where the pregnancy is located.

That’s why an ultrasound is such an important next step after a positive pregnancy test.

An ultrasound can determine:

• Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
• Whether the pregnancy is viable (meaning you haven’t miscarried)
• Approximately how far along you are

If an ultrasound suggests your pregnancy may be ectopic, your healthcare provider can recommend the appropriate medical care to protect your health.

Whether you’re considering parenting, adoption, or abortion, having this information first is essential to protect your health and give you the information you need to move forward.

Find Answers at Warrenton Pregnancy Center

If you’ve recently received a positive pregnancy test, you don’t have to navigate the next steps alone.

At Warrenton Pregnancy Center, we offer free compassionate care, including confidential pregnancy testing and free ultrasounds performed by a registered nurse for qualifying patients, so you can receive important information about your pregnancy before making any decisions. Our client advocates are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and provide compassionate support every step of the way.

Contact Warrenton Pregnancy Center today to schedule your confidential appointment. We’re here to help you protect your health and support you every step of the way.