Pregnancy is a life-changing experience filled with anticipation, questions, and important decisions. One of the first steps in your pregnancy journey is confirming key details about your health and the pregnancy itself. While many pregnancies progress normally, there are certain conditions that require immediate medical attention—one such condition is an ectopic pregnancy.
At Ava Health, we’re here to equip you with knowledge and support every step of the way. Understanding what an ectopic pregnancy is, how it is detected, and what symptoms to watch for can empower you to take charge of your reproductive health and make informed choices.
In this guide, we’ll explore the causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment options for ectopic pregnancy. We’ll also explain how Ava Health provides no-cost pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and confidential medical services to help you find the answers and care you need.
Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy
What Does “Ectopic Pregnancy” Mean?
In a healthy pregnancy, a fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube and implants in the lining of the uterus, where it can safely grow and develop. However, in an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. The most common location is within one of the fallopian tubes, which is why it’s sometimes called a tubal pregnancy. However, ectopic pregnancies can also occur in the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity.
Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy cannot result in the birth of a baby. These pregnancies are not viable, meaning they cannot progress normally. If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can lead to serious, even life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding. a
How Common Is Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancies occur in approximately 1% to 2% of all pregnancies. While they are relatively rare, the consequences of an undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy are severe. That’s why early detection and medical evaluation are critical.
Risk Factors for Ectopic Pregnancy
Certain factors can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, including:
- A history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Previous ectopic pregnancies
- Prior fallopian tube surgery
- Endometriosis
- Use of fertility treatments or assisted reproductive technologies
- Smoking
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD) in place at conception
Even without known risk factors, an ectopic pregnancy can still occur. Awareness of the symptoms and seeking timely medical care are essential for everyone.
Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms: What to Watch For
One of the most important things to understand about ectopic pregnancy is that it can initially mimic a normal pregnancy. You may experience early pregnancy symptoms like:
- A missed period
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tender or swollen breasts
- A positive pregnancy test
However, as the pregnancy develops abnormally, more concerning symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can emerge.
Common Signs of Ectopic Pregnancy
- One sided pelvic or abdominal pain, often sharp or stabbing
- Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Shoulder pain (which may signal internal bleeding affecting the diaphragm)
- A strong urge to have a bowel movement, which can be misleading if caused by internal pressure
Emergency Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fainting or dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Signs of shock (e.g., cold, clammy skin, confusion)
These symptoms may indicate that a fallopian tube has ruptured, a serious complication that requires emergency medical treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek care immediately—do not wait.
How is Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?
Early diagnosis is crucial to protect your health and determine the right course of action. If you’ve received a positive pregnancy test, the next step is to confirm the pregnancy’s location and viability through medical imaging.
Step 1: In-Clinic Pregnancy Testing
At Ava Health, we provide lab-quality urine pregnancy testing at no cost. These tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which rises during early pregnancy.
Step 2: Limited Ultrasound Exam
If your pregnancy test is positive, our medical team may offer a limited obstetric ultrasound, based on eligibility. This scan is used to:
- Confirm the pregnancy
- Estimate gestational age
- Check for fetal heartbeat
- Determine the pregnancy’s location
Identifying whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus is a critical first step in diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy.
Step 3: Blood Tests and Medical Evaluation
In some cases, your provider may also monitor your hCG levels through blood tests. In a healthy intrauterine pregnancy, hCG levels typically double every 48 hours. Slower increases—or declining levels—can be a sign of complications.
A pelvic exam may also be conducted, but it’s usually not sufficient on its own to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. Your provider will combine all available information—symptoms, test results, and ultrasound imaging—to reach a diagnosis.
Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, prompt treatment is necessary. The two primary treatment options are:
- Medication (Methotrexate)
If the ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed early and the fallopian tube has not ruptured, your provider may recommend methotrexate, a medication that stops the growth of the pregnancy and allows your body to absorb the tissue naturally.
This option avoids surgery, but you will need frequent monitoring with blood tests to ensure the pregnancy hormone levels are decreasing appropriately.
- Surgery
If the ectopic pregnancy is more advanced or if there are signs of rupture or internal bleeding, surgical intervention may be required. The most common procedure is laparoscopic surgery, which removes the ectopic pregnancy and may involve removing or repairing the affected fallopian tube.
Your treatment plan will depend on multiple factors, including your health, symptoms, and how far along the pregnancy is.
Coping With Ectopic Pregnancy Loss
Being diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy is a heartbreaking and often traumatic experience. You may feel overwhelmed by grief, confusion, anger, or sadness—and all these emotions are valid.
At Ava Health, we understand that healing is both physical and emotional. You don’t have to go through this alone. Our compassionate staff is here to offer emotional support and counseling resources to help you process this difficult experience.
How Ava Health Can Help
Ava Health is your trusted resource for early pregnancy care, information, and support. We provide no-cost services to help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Our Services Include:
- Lab-quality urine pregnancy testing
- Limited obstetric ultrasounds (based on eligibility)
- STD testing and treatment
- Pregnancy options education
- Emotional support following pregnancy loss, including ectopic pregnancy
We are committed to creating a safe, confidential, and welcoming environment where your concerns are heard and your health is our priority.
Request a No-Cost Appointment Today
If you think you might be pregnant or are experiencing unusual symptoms, don’t wait to get the answers you need. Early detection and care can make a significant difference in your health and peace of mind.
Visit Ava Health today to schedule a confidential, no-cost appointment. Whether you’re seeking pregnancy confirmation, an ultrasound, or emotional support after a pregnancy loss, we are here to walk alongside you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an ectopic pregnancy be prevented?
While you can’t always prevent an ectopic pregnancy, reducing certain risk factors—such as quitting smoking, eliminating or reducing your risk of acquiring an STD and treating STDs promptly—may help lower your risk.
How soon can you detect an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is typically diagnosed between 4 to 10 weeks of pregnancy, depending on the symptoms and timing of your first ultrasound.
Will I be able to get pregnant again after an ectopic pregnancy?
Many women go on to have healthy pregnancies after experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. Your chances depend on the cause and treatment, so discuss future fertility plans with your provider.
Take the Next Step Toward Answers and Healing
An ectopic pregnancy can be frightening, but knowledge and support make all the difference. At Ava Health, we provide accurate medical information, compassionate care, and a place to be heard.
Take your next step with confidence—book your appointment today.
Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance, please consult with your primary healthcare provider, as we are a screening clinic.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff.
“Ectopic Pregnancy.” Mayo Clinic, 12 Mar. 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025. -
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
“Early Pregnancy Loss.” ACOG, Practice Bulletin No. 200, Nov. 2018, https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2018/11/early-pregnancy-loss. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025. -
American Pregnancy Association.
“Ectopic Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment.” American Pregnancy Association, 2022, https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/ectopic-pregnancy/. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025. -
National Institutes of Health.
“Ectopic Pregnancy.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 25 Mar. 2023, https://medlineplus.gov/ectopicpregnancy.html. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.