Whether your pregnancy was planned or unplanned, you’ll want to verify critical information with an ultrasound before making any decisions. An ultrasound can detect certain health conditions that require immediate treatment.
An ectopic pregnancy is one such condition, and it’s a non-viable pregnancy (meaning it can’t grow and develop). Since it’s life-threatening, you’ll need emergency medical attention to protect your health.
What Signs of an Ectopic Pregnancy Should I Watch For?
Typically, a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining at the beginning of pregnancy. During an ectopic pregnancy, this egg implants in another location, such as a fallopian tube or the cervix.
This type of pregnancy can’t continue. And you could experience life-threatening bleeding if you don’t seek treatment.
Signs of an ectopic pregnancy include:
- Pelvic pain
- Light vaginal bleeding
- Shoulder pain
- Urge to have a bowel movement
If a fallopian tube ruptures, you could experience:
- Heavy bleeding inside the abdomen
- Extreme lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Shock
There’s no way to predict beforehand that you’ll experience this condition. But you’re more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy if you have risk factors, including a previous ectopic pregnancy, cigarette smoking just before pregnancy, fertility treatments, and STIs.
What Are My Treatment Options?
If an ultrasound detects you have an ectopic pregnancy, there are multiple treatment methods available.
If your pregnancy is in very early stages, you may be given a methotrexate injection. Or your doctor may recommend a laparoscopic procedure (a small incision is made and a tube is guided through the area to view the tubal area).
You may have emergency surgery if you experience severe bleeding. For all of these cases, it’s crucial to remember that your health is the priority. You will not be denied treatment for ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy is not the same as an elective abortion. With the former, the pregnancy cannot survive, and treatment is needed to prevent life-threatening complications. An elective abortion is choosing to end the pregnancy, and it isn’t medically necessary.
How Can We Help?
Crossroads Life Center provides free and confidential ultrasound referrals. An ultrasound can detect whether you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy.
When you learn you’re pregnant, you need answers you can trust. Schedule an appointment today.