Confirming critical information about your pregnancy is an essential step in the decision-making process. Certain conditions can go undetected and cause serious complications; one of these conditions is ectopic pregnancy.
Learning everything you can about ectopic pregnancy helps protect your health and identify warning signs of this condition. We’ll discuss this condition and explain how to learn more about your pregnancy and unique situation.
Visit Ava Health today for no-cost and confidential medical services such as pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds (based on eligibility), and STD testing and treatment.
What Does “Ectopic Pregnancy” Mean?
Typically, a fertilized egg implants inside the uterus during pregnancy. However, with an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants in another location, such as in a fallopian tube or the cervix.
An ectopic pregnancy cannot grow and develop normally. Moreover, without proper treatment, life-threatening complications like severe bleeding can occur.
After a brief overview of this condition, it’s time to learn what symptoms to look for.
Symptoms
Initial pregnancy symptoms (like nausea or a missed period) can still occur with an ectopic pregnancy, and it will still register as a positive pregnancy test result.
However, as the fertilized egg grows, more warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy can develop. For example, here are the signs and symptoms of this condition:
- Pelvic pain
- Light vaginal bleeding
- Shoulder pain or desire to have a bowel movement (if blood leaks from the fallopian tube)
Emergency symptoms can occur if a fallopian tube ruptures. These symptoms include:
- Fainting
- Extreme lightheadedness
- Shock
Don’t delay seeking medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
How is Ectopic Pregnancy Detected?
After receiving a positive pregnancy test, it’s essential to have an ultrasound. This scan provides critical details about a woman’s pregnancy and health. It can detect the pregnancy’s location and the presence of internal bleeding.
The healthcare provider may also order blood tests to monitor a woman’s hCG levels (which should rise as the pregnancy develops) and perform a pelvic exam. However, the exam alone isn’t enough to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.
Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed as having an ectopic pregnancy, your treatment options (medication or surgery) will depend on factors such as when the condition was detected and your symptoms.
Treating this condition is critical essential for preserving your health and preventing complications.
Learning you have an ectopic pregnancy can be challenging, and coping with this pregnancy loss may require extra support. Remember, you are not alone. Help is available, and your feelings are valid.
We’re Here to Support You
Ava Health can walk alongside you. We offer limited ultrasounds to provide vital pregnancy information, including its location, after a positive in-clinic pregnancy test result.
Additionally, we provide support to those coping with pregnancy loss. You matter to us; we’re here to listen as you process your emotions.
Request a no-cost appointment today.