Only about 2% of all pregnancies are ectopic, but having one is extremely dangerous. Plus, if you are considering abortion for your unexpected pregnancy, abortion methods do not end an ectopic pregnancy. Your healthcare provider must treat it differently.
Determining if your pregnancy is one of the 2% is essential to protect your health and safety. An ultrasound is the most common method of diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy.
The Pregnancy Help Center offers no-cost, confidential ultrasounds. Take advantage of this service and be informed. Schedule your appointment today.
What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
When a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus, it’s considered ectopic. Often, the egg implants in a fallopian tube, which leads to the uterus. The fallopian tube cannot hold a growing embryo and may rupture.
A ruptured ectopic pregnancy can cause severe bleeding, infection, and sometimes, death. A healthcare provider must treat it quickly.
What Are the Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy?
The early symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are similar to those of a normal pregnancy. However, as the pregnancy progresses, you may experience the following:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pain in your lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back
- Dizziness or weakness
If it ruptures, the pain could be severe, and you could experience other symptoms:
- Life-threatening internal bleeding
- Fainting
- Low blood pressure
- Shoulder pain
- Rectal pressure or bowel problems
Who Is More Susceptible to Having an Ectopic Pregnancy?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the following risk factors may make you more susceptible to having an ectopic pregnancy:
- A previous ectopic pregnancy.
- Inflammation or infection, such as an STI like gonorrhea or chlamydia.
- A history of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
- A history of Infertility.
- Endometriosis.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
- Tubal surgery.
- Using specific birth control methods, such as an IUD.
- Smoking.
- Your age (women aged 35 to 44 are more susceptible).
How Does Ultrasound Diagnose an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of the inside of your body. If you have pregnancy symptoms and a positive pregnancy test, but your uterine cavity is empty, our trained sonographer can determine if you have an ectopic pregnancy.
Although an ectopic pregnancy is rare, take the time to rule out one. An ultrasound also detects if your pregnancy is viable (developing) and how far along you are.
Get no-cost clinical pregnancy testing at the Pregnancy Help Center. If your test is positive, we can schedule you for a no-cost, limited obstetrical ultrasound.
Protect your health and safety. Schedule an appointment at the Pregnancy Help Center today. It costs you nothing to get peace of mind.