Normally, a fertilized egg implants in the uterus during pregnancy, where it grows and develops. An ectopic pregnancy is where the fertilized egg implants in another location, like the cervix, an ovary, or a fallopian tube.
An ectopic pregnancy is not a healthy, viable pregnancy and can be life-threatening if not treated right away. If the pregnancy is located in a fallopian tube, it can cause the tube to burst or rupture and therefore needs to be detected and treated early.
Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy
You can still get a positive pregnancy test and experience common symptoms like nausea or fatigue. It’s often difficult to know if you are experiencing ectopic pregnancy without an ultrasound, as symptoms are a lot like early pregnancy symptoms.
You could still notice common signs and symptoms as the egg grows early on, including:
- Pelvic pain
- Light vaginal bleeding
- Shoulder pain or the urge to have a bowel movement (if blood leaks from the fallopian tube)
Without treatment, the fallopian tube could rupture, and you could experience:
- Heavy bleeding inside your abdomen
- Extreme lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Shock
Immediate Treatment is Needed
An ectopic pregnancy needs immediate medical treatment as it can cause life-threatening bleeding. Symptoms of an emergency situation include:
- Shoulder pain
- Extreme lightheadedness or fainting (as mentioned above, this could happen if the tube ruptures)
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain with vaginal bleeding
Receiving prompt medical attention will help safeguard your health. A medical provider can also discuss any follow-up care or special considerations for the future.
Confirm Your Pregnancy To Learn More
An ultrasound is the only way to confirm the location of your pregnancy—whether it’s within or outside your uterus. An ultrasound confirms three things: the location of your pregnancy, how far along you are, and whether it’s a viable pregnancy (has a heartbeat & is progressing).
At Hands of Hope PRC, we offer free, self-administered medical-grade pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds so you can get answers about your pregnancy. Schedule a free pregnancy appointment today.