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An early pregnancy comes with a stack of questions, and one of the first answers worth having is where that pregnancy is developing.
In most cases, a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, exactly where it belongs.
For a small percentage of women the egg settles in a place that cannot safely support its growth. That situation is called an ectopic pregnancy, and knowing the basics can help you act quickly if something does not feel right.
Keep reading to learn how an ectopic pregnancy is identified, which symptoms deserve attention, and what can raise your risk.
Vida Medical Clinic can also help you get the answers you need about your pregnancy with a free, confidential appointment.
A Closer Look at Ectopic Pregnancy
During a healthy pregnancy, a fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube and attaches to the lining of the uterus.
An ectopic pregnancy happens when the egg attaches somewhere else. The fallopian tube is by far the most common location, but ectopic pregnancies can also occur in the ovary, the cervix, or the abdominal cavity.
Because a pregnancy can only safely and properly grow in the uterus, an ectopic pregnancy is considered a medical emergency and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Signs Worth Paying Attention To
An ectopic pregnancy can feel like any other pregnancy in the beginning and will usually produce a positive result on a home pregnancy test.
Over time, certain symptoms tend to show up, including:
- Sharp or stabbing pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, typically on one side only
- Light spotting or heavier vaginal bleeding
- Shoulder pain, which can be a sign of internal bleeding
- Dizziness, weakness, or fainting
If any of these signs appear, please seek medical care right away.
What Can Raise Your Risk
Ectopic pregnancy can happen to any pregnant woman, but some factors can raise the risk:
- A previous ectopic pregnancy
- Previous surgery on the fallopian tubes
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Endometriosis
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Current or recent intrauterine device (IUD) use
- Smoking
Confirming the Location of Your Pregnancy
The fastest and most accurate way to check for an ectopic pregnancy is a limited obstetric ultrasound.
A trained sonographer can see where the pregnancy has implanted and assess its progress.
Along with confirming the location, an ultrasound also measures gestational age and viability, which are other essential pieces of your overall pregnancy picture.
Clear Answers, Close to Home
At Vida Medical Clinic, we believe every woman deserves honest information and kind, confidential support.
Our team provides free pregnancy testing and a follow-up limited ultrasound that confirms the location, gestational age, and viability of your pregnancy.
Those answers bring peace of mind and give you a firm starting point for making the best decision for your health.
Reach out today to schedule your free and confidential appointment.