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:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Lightheadedness
• One-sided abdominal pain or cramping– the side with the affected fallopian tube

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.