If an ectopic pregnancy goes undetected, it can be dangerous to pregnant women and potentially life threatening. The embryo can continue to grow, causing the fallopian tube to burst. This may put the mother’s life at risk.
If you think you might be pregnant and are worried you might be at risk for ectopic pregnancy, it is important to have a medical verification of pregnancy and/or an ultrasound. At Care Net, we provide a safe and confidential environment for reliable pregnancy testing and compassionately walking beside you on this journey.
Please read these frequently asked questions on ectopic pregnancy below:
If I get treatment for an ectopic pregnancy, is it considered an abortion?
No, not at all. Intervention is necessary in this case, and it is wise to seek a second opinion. Most often, the embryo has already passed—it cannot survive within the fallopian tube.
Medical intervention in the case of an ectopic pregnancy is not considered an abortion.
Do I need to be concerned with state and local laws?
No. The laws restricting abortions do not apply to ectopic pregnancies. There is help for women facing an ectopic pregnancy. It does not matter where you live. Treatment for ectopic pregnancy is legal and accessible in every state.
Are there common warning signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, in the beginning, may seem the same as a regular pregnancy. These include nausea, missed period, mood swings, and a positive pregnancy test. Most likely there won’t be any external signs of ectopic pregnancy until the embryo starts to grow.
An early-detection ultrasound is essential. An ultrasound allows a medical professional to see where the embryo is implanted. This will help to rule out ectopic pregnancy concerns. Some of the first indicators of an ectopic pregnancy may be light vaginal bleeding.
More severe symptoms may present if the fallopian tube begins to fracture or burst. It is essential to seek medical advice immediately if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- vaginal bleeding
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- elevated temperature
- vomiting
- swelling in the upper or lower extremities or face
- abdominal or pelvic pain
- belabored breathing
- grueling headache
- watery fluid from the vagina
- severe stomach pain/cramping
- chest pain
- painful urination
How can I know for sure if I'm having an ectopic pregnancy?
The best possible way to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy is through an ultrasound. A limited obstetrical ultrasound will use sound waves to see the placement of the pregnancy. This will help you know precisely where the pregnancy is located, if it is viable, and help you figure out how far along you are.
Research suggests that certain STIs or infections, such as Chlamydia, may increase the chance of an ectopic pregnancy. This is due to the production of a particular protein that the STD or STI causes. See the source link below for more information.
Does a previous ectopic pregnancy ruin my chances of getting pregnant in the future?
Research suggests that most women who experience an ectopic pregnancy can have future healthy pregnancies. In the case where a fallopian tube is damaged or removed due to an ectopic pregnancy, an egg can still join with a sperm in the remaining tube and travel to the uterus successfully.
Home pregnancy tests and their results will not inform you if you’re having an ectopic pregnancy or other abnormal events. A medical verification of pregnancy, which reliably confirms your levels of hCG, and/or an ultrasound is essential to verify your pregnancy and to confirm potential health risks.
We’re here for you if you’re looking for a local pregnancy clinic or resources in your vicinity or surrounding areas. Call us today for a free ultrasound and medical verification of pregnancy.
Sources
Science Daily
Mayo Clinic