Ectopic Pregnancy & Abortion

What you need to know about the risk factors, options, and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy pain.

Is treatment for an Ectopic Pregnancy an Abortion? No, not at all.

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside of the uterus. The pregnancy cannot continue in the fallopian tubes, or the mother and child will both die. Therefore, intervention is necessary, and a second opinion is advised.

In many cases, the baby has already passed or will not survive removal from the fallopian tube. Medical intervention in the case of an ectopic pregnancy is not considered an abortion.

As a pro woman organization, we have good news for you! The “pro-life laws” restricting abortion specifically exclude these life-saving procedures. They are not abortions. In other words – treating a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is legal. Everywhere!

From Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, Texas, California, and literally everywhere in between, if you or someone you know is facing an ectopic pregnancy you have help available to you! Your health is a priority. It is suggested you get an ultrasound to know where your pregnancy is located. If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy pain starts you have safe, healthy, and legal options!

What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are no different than traditional pregnancy symptoms at first. You will get the same positive pregnancy results in a home test that you would for a properly placed pregnancy such as a missed period, nausea and emotional changes.

When does ectopic pregnancy pain start?

Remember, an ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy. The pain from an ectopic pregnancy will not start to appear until the embryo starts to grow. This is because the fertilized egg is in the wrong position in a woman’s body.

Pelvic pain and light vaginal bleeding will likely be the first indicators of ectopic pregnancy.. You might also feel the need to poop with an increased frequency than normal. Surprising shoulder pain may also start. This all depends on what nerves are being impacted by the internal bleeding.

When does the ectopic pregnancy pain become life threatening?

Once the fertilized egg grows with nowhere to go, the fallopian tube will rupture. At this point, it is an emergency. Getting immediate medical care is critical.

How will I know the fallopian tube has ruptured?

Severe Abdominal Pain
Heaving bleeding
Dizziness or fainting
Feeling a state of shock
Extreme light headedness

One or all of these symptoms, several abdominal pain, heaving bleeding, dizziness or fainting, shock or extremely light headedness, especially if they come on suddenly, will be indicators that something is wrong.

If you think you are pregnant, you can avoid this life-threatening issue by scheduling an ultrasound and pregnancy confirmation with a medical professional early in your pregnancy. There are several clinics on this site that can provide this service for free.

How do you diagnose an ectopic pregnancy?

Watch for symptoms such as dizziness or fainting, a missed period (menstrual period) similar to a typical pregnancy.
Confirm the pregnancy. You can do this through a urine pregnancy test, however a blood pregnancy test with a nurse will be more accurate as it is able to detect HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This is also known as “the pregnancy hormone”. A blood test will detect this as early as 11 days after your sexual encounter. Read more on this from APA.
Get an ultrasound. A limited obstetrical ultrasound will use sound waves to see the placement of the pregnancy. This will help you know if it is viable, estimate your gestation age (how far along you are), as well as where the pregnancy is placed.

What about sexually transmitted diseases and ectopic pregnancy?

Interestingly, science suggests that there is a link between STD’s and an increased chance of an ectopic pregnancy. According to Science Daily, certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as Chlamydia, could increase the chance of an ectopic pregnancy due to the production of a particular protein found in women with this and other sexually transmitted diseases. See link in sources below.

What about pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy?

According to Mayo Clinic, pelvic inflammatory disease that is left untreated and endometriosis where scar tissue is present, is also a risk factor for having an ectopic pregnancy. When the fallopian tubes aren’t clear, it creates the opportunity for the fertilized egg to get stuck.

Is a tubal pregnancy the same as an ectopic pregnancy?

Yes, many times people will refer to an ectopic pregnancy as a tubal pregnancy. This terminology started many years ago, but the current proper medical term is ectopic pregnancy.

Can the ectopic pregnancy attach anywhere beside my uterus?

It is extremely rare, but yes they can attach in other areas. All of this would be identified with an ultrasound by a medical professional.

In Summary

Ectopic pregnancy has a provision and termination of such a pregnancy is not an abortion. Your rights to true healthcare is protected.

As soon as you are pregnant, or suspect pregnancy, your health is important. Having a full confirmation of the pregnancy with a medical professional in an office setting that includes an ultrasound will be important health information. This will educate you to rule out or diagnose an ectopic pregnancy and help you make decisions about how to proceed with your pregnancy.

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