If you’ve recently received a positive pregnancy test, one of the most important things you can do is schedule an ultrasound.

Many women assume that a positive pregnancy test confirms everything they need to know about their pregnancy. While it does indicate that pregnancy hormones are present, it cannot tell you where the pregnancy is located. That’s important because, in a small number of pregnancies, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy.

Although ectopic pregnancies are relatively uncommon, they are serious medical conditions that require immediate treatment. Understanding what an ectopic pregnancy is, how it’s diagnosed, and why prompt medical care is so important can help protect your health. 

What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus.

Most ectopic pregnancies develop in one of the fallopian tubes, but they can also occur in other locations, such as the cervix, ovary, or abdominal cavity.

Unlike a pregnancy that develops inside the uterus, an ectopic pregnancy cannot continue normally. The fallopian tubes and other areas outside the uterus are not designed to support a growing pregnancy.

As the pregnancy grows, it can cause the surrounding tissue to stretch or rupture, leading to severe internal bleeding and other life-threatening complications if it is not treated promptly.

Because of this, an ectopic pregnancy is considered a medical emergency.

What Are the Signs of an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Some women with an ectopic pregnancy notice symptoms early, while others may not experience any warning signs at first.

Possible symptoms include:

• Sharp or severe pain on one side of the abdomen or pelvis
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Shoulder pain
• Urge to have a bowel movement
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting

These symptoms can become more severe if the fallopian tube ruptures, causing internal bleeding.

If you have a positive pregnancy test and experience severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness, fainting, or shoulder pain, seek emergency medical care immediately. Prompt treatment is essential to protect your health.

It’s also important to remember that some women with an ectopic pregnancy initially feel normal. That’s one reason why follow-up medical care is so important after a positive pregnancy test.

How Is an Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?

A home pregnancy test cannot determine whether a pregnancy is located inside the uterus.

The most reliable way to diagnose or rule out an ectopic pregnancy is through an ultrasound, often along with additional evaluation by a healthcare provider.

During the ultrasound, a medical professional can determine whether the pregnancy is developing inside the uterus or whether additional testing is needed to evaluate its location.

This is one of the primary reasons an ultrasound is recommended after a positive pregnancy test, especially before making any pregnancy decision.

For example, if you’re considering abortion, this step is especially important because abortion does not treat an ectopic pregnancy. Whether you’re considering abortion or planning to continue your pregnancy, confirming that the pregnancy is located in the uterus is essential for protecting your health.

Why Early Treatment Matters

An ectopic pregnancy cannot be moved into the uterus or continue to develop normally.

Without treatment, the pregnancy can continue to grow until the surrounding tissue ruptures, resulting in serious internal bleeding that can become life-threatening.

The good news is that when an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed early, treatment can begin before more serious complications develop.

That’s why it’s important not to delay follow-up care after a positive pregnancy test. Even if you’re still deciding what to do about your pregnancy, learning where the pregnancy is located should be one of your first priorities.

Choices of the Heart Is Here to Help

If you’ve recently received a positive pregnancy test, don’t rely on the test result alone.

At Choices of the Heart, we offer free, confidential ultrasounds to help you learn important details about your pregnancy, including whether it is located in the uterus and how far along you are. Our caring team is here to answer your questions, explain your options, and provide the information you need before making any pregnancy decision.

Your health matters, and understanding your pregnancy is the first step.

Contact Choices of the Heart today to schedule your confidential appointment. We’re here to provide compassionate care, accurate information, and support. You’re not alone in this.