What Is Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is located outside the uterus. This condition requires medical care as soon as possible, and it can be dangerous if you don’t receive medical attention. 

If you have recently taken a positive home pregnancy test, it’s vital to get an ultrasound to confirm that your pregnancy is located properly within the uterus. Whether you’re considering continuing your unintended pregnancy or having an abortion, here are five reasons why screening for ectopic pregnancy matters for your health.

1. An undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy can be dangerous.

An undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy can cause significant health concerns or even become life-threatening. For example, if an ectopic pregnancy continues to grow in the fallopian tube, it can eventually cause the tube to rupture—a medical emergency. 

(If you’re pregnant and experiencing signs of an ectopic pregnancy, such as severe pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding, seek emergency care right away.)

2. An ectopic pregnancy can’t continue as normal.

A healthy, progressing pregnancy is located in a woman’s uterus. Sometimes, however, a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, such as within the fallopian tube (a tubal pregnancy), an ovary, or the abdomen. 

This type of pregnancy is known as ectopic, and it cannot continue as normal.

3. An ectopic pregnancy requires special care.

If you have an ectopic pregnancy, treatment can help you stay safe. Discovering an ectopic pregnancy early on gives doctors more treatment options, such as the possibility of medication instead of surgery. 

If you’re considering abortion for your unexpected pregnancy, note that the medication treatment for ectopic pregnancy is not the same as the medication used in medical abortion. 

In fact, if you have an ectopic pregnancy, the FDA advises you should not take the abortion pill.  

4. A pregnancy test does not reveal ectopic pregnancy.

A positive pregnancy test may show you are pregnant, but it doesn’t reveal the location of your pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may also still experience common early pregnancy symptoms, such as a missed period, sore breasts, or nausea, in the case of an ectopic pregnancy. 

5. You can have an ectopic pregnancy without knowing it.

About 1 in 50 pregnancies in the United States is ectopic. A pregnancy test or visual exam won’t show if you’re in this category. To be safe, get an ultrasound early on.  

No-Cost Screenings in Mendocino County

If you think you might be pregnant or have recently gotten a positive result on a home pregnancy test, talk with us about screening for ectopic pregnancy. We provide all of our services at no cost to you.Our medical professionals can provide a lab-quality pregnancy test and an ultrasound to confirm the location of your pregnancy. Request a no-cost appointment today.