Facing an ectopic pregnancy can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first pregnancy. At Sparrow, we’re here to educate, empower, and support women navigating unplanned pregnancies, including ectopic pregnancies.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What an ectopic pregnancy is
- Early symptoms and warning signs
- How to develop a treatment plan with your healthcare provider
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. However, it can also occur in the abdominal cavity or on an ovary.[1]
Unlike a normal pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy cannot progress to term because the fetus cannot survive outside the uterus. For the pregnant woman, it’s a serious, life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.[1]
Common Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy
Early on, symptoms may mimic a typical pregnancy, including[1]:
- Missed period
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
A pregnancy test will show positive results.[1] However, as the condition advances, other warning signs may appear. Look out for these early symptoms[2]:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Lower abdominal, pelvic, or back pain
- Weakness or dizziness
Without quick treatment, the growing fertilized egg can rupture the implant site. This can cause dangerous internal bleeding in the abdomen.[1] This can lead to shock, fainting, and the need for emergency surgery.[1]
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience[1]:
- Shoulder pain (from blood leaking out of the fallopian tube)
- Severe pelvic or abdominal pain with bleeding
- Fainting or extreme lightheadedness
How is an Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?
Early diagnosis is critical to prevent complications like a ruptured fallopian tube.
Diagnosis starts with confirming pregnancy through a blood test to measure hCG levels.[3] Your doctor may then use:
- A transvaginal ultrasound to pinpoint the pregnancy’s location[3]
- An abdominal ultrasound to check for internal bleeding[3]
Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment Options
Once diagnosed, collaborate with your healthcare provider to create a tailored treatment plan. Options depend on the timing and severity of your condition:
- Medication: If found early and there is no heavy bleeding, a drug like methotrexate may be given. It stops fetal growth and ends the pregnancy. Follow-up visits will monitor hCG levels to confirm the pregnancy has ended.[3]
- Surgery: A salpingectomy removes both the ectopic pregnancy and the ruptured fallopian tube. A salpingostomy removes only the ectopic pregnancy, preserving the fallopian tube if it hasn’t ruptured.[3]
Clinicians catch about 85% of ectopic pregnancies before rupture, reducing the need for invasive surgery.[4] Early detection is key to a safer outcome.
Is Ectopic Pregnancy Removal Considered an Abortion?
People often ask whether ectopic pregnancy treatment counts as an abortion. The answer is no.
The CDC defines abortion as a procedure that ends an intrauterine pregnancy. This definition does not apply to ectopic pregnancies.[5] Additionally, there are no abortion laws that would prohibit women from receiving care for ectopic pregnancies.
Free Ultrasounds in Ellensburg, Washington
You don’t have to navigate this alone. At Sparrow, our compassionate team provides free pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and a safe space to get answers.
Don’t delay. Call us at (509) 925-2273 or schedule an appointment online today.
Important Note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy – Symptoms & Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, January 18). Ectopic Pregnancy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9687-ectopic-pregnancy#symptoms-and-causes
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy – Diagnosis & Treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372093
- Dvash, S., Cuckle, H., Smorgick, N., Vaknin, Z., Padoa, A., & Maymon, R. (2021). Increase rate of ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 259, 95–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.01.054
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 27). CDC’s Abortion Surveillance System FAQS. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/data-statistics/abortion-surveillance-system.html