Last month we answered two big questions about ectopic pregnancy. Continue reading as we answer a few more highly asked questions when it comes to ectopic pregnancy and what it means for your situation.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Early on, women may experience the normal symptoms of pregnancy, such as a missed period, breast tenderness, or nausea. If a pregnancy test is taken, the result will be positive.
As the fertilized egg continues to grow, you may experience more noticeable symptoms, such as:
- Intense pain in your lower abdomen, pelvis, and lower back, especially on one side
- Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Shoulder pain (if blood leaks out of the fallopian tube)
Eventually, the fallopian tube will rupture, causing heavy bleeding within the abdomen. You may become lightheaded, faint, and go into shock. At this point, you would need to undergo life-saving emergency surgery. If possible, the surgeon will remove the egg from the affected area. However, it is likely that the entire fallopian tube or ovary will be removed with the egg still attached. In the event of a cervical ectopic pregnancy, a hysterectomy will be performed.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your primary healthcare provider immediately.
How is an Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed and Treated?
Ectopic pregnancies are diagnosed by ultrasounds. The Pregnancy Resource Center offers eligible patients a free ultrasound upon the completion of a free pregnancy test! You can schedule your appointment by clicking here.
Fortunately, 85% of ectopic pregnancies are discovered and treated before a rupture occurs1. Upon the confirmation of the ectopic pregnancy, your doctor will prescribe a medication that stops the growth of the fetus and ends the pregnancy. Early detection will prevent a rupture and the need for emergency surgery.
Can I Get Pregnant Again After Ectopic Pregnancy?
In most cases, it is possible to become pregnant again after an ectopic pregnancy. Even if one of the fallopian tubes was removed, fertilized eggs can still travel through the remaining tube. Cleveland Clinic recommends waiting about three months to become pregnant again2. This gives your fallopian tube enough time to heal and reduces the risk of another ectopic pregnancy2.
You’re Not Alone
The possibility of an ectopic pregnancy adds a new layer of anxiety to an already stressful situation, but you do not have to face this alone. The compassionate team at the Pregnancy Resource Center is here to help! Give us a call at (865) 344-6584 or schedule your free appointment today!
Please note that this article is for educational purposes only. The Pregnancy Resource Center offers free pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds to determine the state of your pregnancy, but does not treat ectopic pregnancies. Once the ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, meet with your primary healthcare provider as soon as possible to receive treatment.
Sources
Dvash, Shira, et al. “Increase Rate of Ruptured Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy during the Covid-19 Pandemic.” European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Elsevier B.V., Apr. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7968738/.
“Ectopic Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments & Tests.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9687-ectopic-pregnancy#diagnosis-and-tests.
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