An ectopic pregnancy can feel frightening. If this is your first experience, you will likely have some pressing questions racing through your mind.
At Family Life Pregnancy Center, our goal is to educate, empower, and support women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy, including ectopic pregnancies. In this blog, we’ll explain what ectopic pregnancy is, the symptoms and warning signs, and your treatment options!
What is Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg is implanted somewhere outside of the uterus, such as the abdominal cavity or on an ovary.1 Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes, which is also known as tubal ectopic pregnancy.1 An ectopic pregnancy can’t be carried to term, as the fertilized egg can’t survive outside of the uterus.1 It is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate care.
An ectopic pregnancy can be heartbreaking and scary for any woman, regardless of her circumstances. Those who want to be a parent, now have to say goodbye. Those considering a private abortion may need to let their loved ones know, especially if they have to undergo surgery to treat the ectopic pregnancy.
Whatever your situation, the Family Life Pregnancy Center team is here for you. We offer a safe, confidential space to share what’s on your mind and get your questions answered—all without judgment.
How Common are Ectopic Pregnancies?
Ectopic pregnancies are rare. They occur in about 2% of all pregnancies.2
Although they’re rare, it’s crucial to receive an ultrasound as soon as possible to determine whether or not the pregnancy is ectopic.
What are the Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?
Initially, you may experience normal pregnancy symptoms, such as a missed period, nausea, or breast tenderness.1 If you take a pregnancy test, it will be positive.1 However, as the pregnancy progresses, the warning signs become clearer.
The early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, or pelvis, and light vaginal bleeding.1 You may also experience shoulder pain if blood leaks out of the fallopian tube.1
As the fertilized egg continues to grow, it will eventually cause the fallopian tube to rupture.1 This can lead to life-threatening bleeding within the abdomen. You may then become extremely lightheaded, faint, and go into shock.
At this point, you would need to be taken to the nearest emergency room to be treated surgically. The surgeon may remove the egg from the fallopian tube (if possible), or remove the entire fallopian tube with the egg still inside.
How is an Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed and Treated?
The first step in diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy is to receive an ultrasound. Family Life Pregnancy Center offers free ultrasounds to determine whether your pregnancy is viable, ectopic, or if you are likely to miscarry. Once the ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, contact your healthcare provider to make a treatment plan.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a medication called methotrexate, which stops the growth of the fertilized egg, dissolves existing cells, and ends the pregnancy. From there, they will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your hCG levels to ensure the treatment worked.3
Severe cases may require surgery. There are two surgical options: Salpingostomy and salpingectomy. In a salpingostomy, the ectopic pregnancy is removed, and the fallopian tube is left to heal on its own. In a salpingectomy, both the ectopic pregnancy and the fallopian tube are removed.3 The procedure you have depends on how the amount of bleeding you experience and whether the fallopian tube has ruptured.3
The good news is that most ectopic pregnancies are discovered and treated early. Around 85% of cases are detected before a rupture happens, usually by the eighth week of pregnancy.4 Early detection is key in preventing a rupture and the need for invasive procedures!
Free Ultrasounds in Tehachapi, CA
You don’t have to face this alone. Our compassionate team is here to help! Don’t wait another moment to get the care you deserve. Give us a call at (661) 823-8255 or schedule your appointment online today!
Please be aware that this article is for informational purposes only. Family Life Pregnancy Center does not provide treatment for ectopic pregnancy, only free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to confirm the state of your pregnancy. Upon the confirmation of the ectopic pregnancy, please meet with your primary healthcare provider as quickly as possible to receive treatment.
Sources
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy – Symptoms & Causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
- Ectopic Pregnancy. (2023, January 18). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9687-ectopic-pregnancy
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy – Diagnosis & Treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372093
- Dvash S, Cuckle H, Smorgick N, Vaknin Z, Padoa A, Maymon R. Increase rate of ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2021, January 29). National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7968738/