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Ectopic Pregnancy - Alcove Health Women's Clinic Newport News, Virginia

Do Ectopic pregnancies show on pregnancy tests?

One thing an at-home pregnancy test can't do

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants anywhere outside the main cavity of the uterus and cannot be detected by a urine pregnancy test. Ectopic pregnancies account for about 2% of pregnancies, which is about 1 in 50, and if left untreated can be life-threatening.

If the pregnancy is ectopic, you will still have a positive at-home pregnancy test; because regardless of the location, the implanted fertilized egg produces HCG. That is why neither a urine pregnancy test nor a blood test alone can tell you if you have an ectopic pregnancy; there is no way of knowing that important piece of information without having an ultrasound.

Normal Pregnancy
Image Source: CDC

Ultrasound is the key diagnostic tool used to confirm or rule out an ectopic pregnancy.  One of the main reasons a vaginal ultrasound is recommended in the first trimester is to confirm the location of the pregnancy.

Transvaginal ultrasound allows for a detailed evaluation of the uterus and surrounding structures to evaluate for an intrauterine pregnancy (IUP).  See the picture of a “Normal Pregnancy” which is an IUP.

Possible locations for Ectopic Pregnancies
Image Source: Mayo Clinic

Although the most common place an ectopic pregnancy occurs is the fallopian tube; by looking at the picture, “Possible Locations for Ectopic Pregnancies,” you can see there are several potential locations of a pregnancy other than where it should be.

Any time a pregnancy cannot be seen inside of the uterus, it is assumed that the pregnancy is ectopic, and the patient is sent to the Emergency Department (ED) for further evaluation.

Typically, this visit to the ED involves blood tests and another ultrasound. This is a process and may take more than one visit to obtain the necessary information for the doctor to be able to give a definitive diagnosis. 

A pregnancy located anywhere outside of the uterus is a potential risk to the mother’s health. Ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of pregnancy-related maternal deaths during the first trimester.

The woman’s uterus is designed to stretch to accommodate a growing pregnancy, all other locations are not. Meaning, once that pregnancy grows beyond the location’s ability to stretch, there is a potential for the tissue to rupture and cause internal hemorrhaging.  

If the ectopic ruptures the woman may feel symptoms such as:

  • Shoulder pain
  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Low blood pressure
  • Rectal pressure or bowel problems

All of these are indicators that you should call 911 or have someone take you to the ED immediately, you should not be driving yourself in this condition.

Some women with an ectopic pregnancy have no early warning symptoms, and some do. The early warning signs that your pregnancy might be ectopic include:

For more information on ectopic pregnancies please click here.

Here at Alcove Health, we offer free pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds because we want to minimize some of the stresses that can accompany pregnancy, especially an unplanned pregnancy. 

If you are considering an abortion, it is important that you determine the location of your pregnancy before having any type of procedure. Even the abortion pill. Abortions only work on pregnancies that are located inside of the uterus.

So, if your pregnancy is ectopic, abortion will not end your pregnancy, and it is very important that you receive the proper medical treatment.

If you have had a positive pregnancy test you should make sure the pregnancy is not ectopic before beginning any abortion procedure. Please call or click here to schedule your free and confidential medical appointment with Alcove Health.

By Kinta, RN, BSN, Nurse Manager

September 12, 2023

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