An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening pregnancy in which an embryo implants in a woman’s body outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies often implant within the fallopian tubes, so sometimes, ectopic pregnancy is called a “tubal pregnancy.”
Signs and Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy
A woman experiencing an ectopic pregnancy may have usual pregnancy symptoms like a missed period, nausea, fatigue, and frequent urination. Women with an ectopic pregnancy will also receive a positive result on a pregnancy test.
In addition to regular pregnancy symptoms, an ectopic pregnancy will also cause more unique symptoms. If you are pregnant and experience any of the following symptoms, you should reach out to emergency medical support immediately:
Pain—as an ectopic pregnancy progresses, abdominal or pelvic pain may become more severe. This pain may also be accompanied by vaginal bleeding.
Shoulder Pain— If blood begins to leak into the abdominal cavity from the fallopian tube, shoulder pain may be experienced.
Lightheadedness or fainting— If the fallopian tube bursts, the woman will likely pass out, signaling that emergency intervention is needed immediately.
Resolving Ectopic Pregnancy
Sometimes women considering abortion assume that they do not need to rule out ectopic pregnancy since they plan on terminating it. However, this misconception is dangerous since neither medical nor surgical abortion will effectively treat ectopic pregnancy.
There are two forms of treatment for ectopic pregnancy:
Medical—If the ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed early enough (before it causes damage), medical treatment can be used. Methotrexate is a medication that causes the pregnancy to stop growing. Over the span of a month, the pregnancy absorbs into a woman’s body. Women given this treatment will require follow-up care to ensure the medication is effective.
Surgical— If the fallopian tube has ruptured from the growth of the pregnancy, the embryo is unresponsive to the methotrexate, or it is creating complications, surgery will be required to remove the pregnancy. Depending on the damage to the fallopian tube, it may require removal as well.
Rule Out Ectopic Pregnancy
Early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound means fewer harmful symptoms and less invasive intervention. Ultrasound is an easy way to safeguard your health. Call us today to schedule your free ultrasound.
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