Warning signs • symptoms • when to seek emergency care
Ectopic Pregnancy
Learn the Symptoms.
Understand the Risks.
Learn what an ectopic pregnancy is, how it differs from a healthy pregnancy, the symptoms to watch for, and why prompt medical care is important.
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What You’re Probably Feeling Right Now
Whatever you’re feeling right now is valid. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, pressured, scared, or simply unsure, you’re not alone. You deserve the time and space to understand what’s happening with your pregnancy before making a decision. Getting the facts, asking questions, and talking with someone who will listen without judgment can help you move forward with confidence. You deserve compassionate support and clear information—at no cost and with no pressure.
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Medically Accurate Information
Is Treatment for an Ectopic Pregnancy Considered an Abortion?
No, not at all. As a pro woman organization, in a post Roe v Wade world, 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!
In an ectopic pregnancy, 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.
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!
The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
What to Expect Physically
Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy matters — not to cause fear, but so you can recognize the warning signs and know when to seek emergency medical care. Here’s what you need to know.
Vaginal Bleeding
Spotting or bleeding that differs from a normal period; it may stop and start or appear darker in color.
Pelvic or Abdominal Pain
Mild to sharp cramping that is usually localized to one side of the lower abdomen.
Gastrointestinal Distress
Upset stomach, diarrhea, or discomfort when having a bowel movement.
When to seek emergency care
If you’re experiencing sudden, severe pain in your abdomen or pelvis, sharp pain radiating to the tip of your shoulder, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting or rapid pulse or pale skin.
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Common Questions
Ectopic Pregnancy
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What is an ectopic pregnancy?
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.
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 more 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, schedule 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.
What about sexually transmitted dieseases 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 risk of an ectopic pregnancy due to the production of a particular protein found in women with this and other sexually transmitted infections. 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.
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