If you’re considering an abortion, you should rule out an ectopic pregnancy. But, facing an ectopic pregnancy can be overwhelming. You might be asking questions like:

What are my treatment options? Will I be okay? Can the fetus survive an ectopic pregnancy? 

At Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic, we’re here to educate, empower, and support women navigating unplanned pregnancies. In this guide, we’ll break down what an ectopic pregnancy is, its symptoms, warning signs, and when to contact your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

 

Why You Need an Ultrasound

If you’re considering abortion, you need to receive an ultrasound first to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy and rule out an ectopic pregnancy. An intrauterine pregnancy is confirmed when a gestational sac with a yolk sac is seen within the uterus. Around week five of pregnancy, a gestational sac and yolk sac can be visualized with a transvaginal ultrasound. 

It’s crucial to confirm whether your pregnancy is developing inside the uterus, because abortion is not the proper treatment for ectopic pregnancy. If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, you can contact your doctor for appropriate medical care.

About 85% of ectopic pregnancies are caught by ultrasound before rupture, reducing the need for invasive surgery.[1] Ultrasounds are key to a safer outcome and informed decisions.

 

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes (known as a tubal ectopic pregnancy), but also in the abdominal cavity or on an ovary.[2] 

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.[3] 

 

Common Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

Early on, ectopic pregnancy symptoms may mimic a typical pregnancy, including[4]:

• Missed period
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness

A pregnancy test will show positive results.[5] However, as the condition advances, other warning signs will appear. Look out for these early ectopic pregnancy symptoms[6]:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Lower abdominal, pelvic, or back pain
• Weakness or dizziness

Without prompt treatment, the growing fertilized egg can rupture the fallopian tube or other sites of implantation, causing dangerous internal bleeding in the abdomen.[7] This can lead to shock, fainting, and the need for emergency surgery.[8]

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience[9]:

• 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?

Your doctor can provide an official diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy. They may perform: 

• A blood test to measure your hCG levels.[10]
• A transvaginal ultrasound to pinpoint the pregnancy’s location.[11]
• An abdominal ultrasound to check for internal bleeding.[12]

 

Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment Options

Once diagnosed, your healthcare provider will create a treatment plan. Options depend on the timing and severity of your condition:

• Medication: If detected early with no unstable bleeding, a drug like methotrexate may be prescribed to stop fetal growth and end the pregnancy. Follow-up visits will monitor hCG levels to confirm the pregnancy has ended.[13]
• Surgery: If a rupture has occurred, a salpingectomy will be performed to both the ectopic pregnancy and the ruptured fallopian tube. If a rupture has not occurred, a salpingostomy will be performed. This procedure removes only the ectopic pregnancy and preserves the fallopian tube.[14]

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Ectopic Pregnancy

How common are ectopic pregnancies?

Ectopic pregnancies occur in about 1-2% of all pregnancies.[15] 

 

Will I be able to get pregnant again after an ectopic pregnancy?

Many women can conceive again after an ectopic pregnancy. However, having one ectopic pregnancy does increase your risk of having another.[16]

 

How early can an ectopic pregnancy be detected?

Ectopic pregnancies are typically detected between 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, though they can sometimes be identified earlier through blood tests monitoring hCG levels and ultrasound examinations.[17]

 

Is the pain from an ectopic pregnancy constant?

Pain from an ectopic pregnancy can vary. It may start as mild cramping and progressively worsen, or it can be intermittent. However, if you experience sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, especially with bleeding, seek emergency medical care immediately.[18]

 

Free Ultrasounds in St Cloud and Waite Park, Minnesota

You don’t have to navigate this alone. At Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic, our compassionate team provides free pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and a safe space to get answers. 

Don’t delay—call us at 320-253-1962 or schedule an appointment online today!

This article is for informational purposes only. Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic does not provide treatment for ectopic pregnancy, only free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to confirm the state of your pregnancy. Please meet with your primary healthcare provider as quickly as possible to receive an official diagnosis and treatment. 

Sources

1. Dvash, S., Cuckle, H., Smorgick, N., Vaknin, Z., Padoa, A., & Maymon, R. (2021, January 29). Increase rate of ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy during the covid-19 pandemic. European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7968738/  
2. Ectopic Pregnancy - Symptoms & Causes. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
3. See source #2.
4. See source #2.
5. See source #2.
6. Ectopic Pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, January 18). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9687-ectopic-pregnancy#symptoms-and-causes
7. See source #2.
8. See source #2.
9. See source #2.
10. Ectopic Pregnancy - Diagnosis & Treatment. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372093 
11. See source #10.
12. See source #10.
13. See source #10.
14. See source #10.
15. See #6.
16. See #10.
17. See #6.
18. See #5