Ectopic Pregnancy Explained: Symptoms and What to Know
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Worried something doesn’t feel right with your pregnancy? It’s important to get answers quickly.
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus—most often in a fallopian tube—and it can become a serious medical condition if not treated. Early symptoms can be easy to miss or mistaken for normal pregnancy discomfort, which is why understanding the warning signs matters.
Learn what an ectopic pregnancy is, the symptoms to watch for, and when to seek medical care. If you’re experiencing unusual pain, bleeding, or have concerns, you don’t have to wait—getting clarity now can help protect your health.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
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.
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
- 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 during time of conception
Even without known risk factors, an ectopic pregnancy can still happen.
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 of an ectopic pregnancy 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 get an ultrasound to rule out the pregnancy being ectopic.
Step 1: Take a Pregnancy Test at a Clinic
Pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which rises during early pregnancy. Doing a test with a nurse in a clinic can eliminate stress about using the pregnancy test incorrectly, not having a sensitive enough test, or wondering if it’s wrong.
Step 2: Get an Ultrasound
If your pregnancy test is positive, your 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 or outside 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 both be signs of complications, which are better to know early on.
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, including 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 can be a heartbreaking and often traumatic experience. You may feel overwhelmed by grief, confusion, anger, sadness, or even relief—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
- STD testing and treatment
- Education about your next steps
- Emotional support and referrals 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.
What does ectopic pain feel like?
Some women with ectopic pregnancy have no or hardly any symptoms at all. The most common symptom is lower stomach/abdominal pain and/or vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
What happens if an ectopic pregnancy is left untreated?
If an ectopic pregnancy is left untreated, it could cause life-threatening rupturing and internal bleeding for the mother, and will not result in a pregnancy that the mother can carry to term.
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.- Ectopic Pregnancy Trust.
- “Medical Management with Methotrexate.” Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, https://ectopic.org.uk/treating-an-ectopic-pregnancy/medical-management-with-methotrexate. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ava Health does not refer for or perform abortions. All medical information is accurate at the time of publishing.
Medically Reviewed By:
Anka Radutiu, BSN, RN
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