Ectopic pregnancy is one condition to look for when you learn you’re pregnant. This condition is dangerous and requires emergency treatment to protect your health.
An ultrasound can detect an ectopic pregnancy and help you identify your next steps. We offer limited obstetric ultrasounds following a positive pregnancy test at our clinic (if no medical contraindications).
Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today to get started.
What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?
During fertilization, the ovaries release an egg, which is fertilized by sperm traveling up the fallopian tube. In most cases, the fertilized egg continues to the uterus, where it will implant and grow.
In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg remains outside the uterus. The egg could implant in the ovary, the abdominal cavity, or the cervix, but most often in the fallopian tube.
Ectopic pregnancies are rare. Circumstances that increase the chances are a previous ectopic pregnancy, inflammation, infection, fertility treatments, an IUD, or if the woman smokes.
What Are Signs Of An Ectopic Pregnancy?
Early signs of an ectopic pregnancy are light bleeding and pelvic pain. If the fallopian tube ruptures, you could experience lightheadedness, fainting, or shoulder pain.
These symptoms call for immediate medical assistance. Ectopic pregnancy can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated.
How Can An Ectopic Pregnancy Be Detected?
The only ways to confirm an ectopic pregnancy are with a pregnancy test (blood or urine-based) and a transvaginal ultrasound. In this type of procedure, an ultrasound wand is placed into the vagina and emits sound waves to “see” into the uterus.
A transvaginal ultrasound can show where the pregnancy is growing and how far along you are.
What Can Be Done For An Ectopic Pregnancy?
Pregnancies cannot grow outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies are dangerous for the mother.
Early in the pregnancy, medication is injected to stop growth and dissolve cells. In other cases, treatment involves a surgical procedure.
What Should You Do If You Think You Might Be Pregnant?
InnerVisions Healthcare can provide a medical-grade pregnancy test and ultrasound at no cost. Our medical team can confirm your pregnancy, tell you how far along you are, and ensure the pregnancy is in the uterus.
Our experienced team will give you information on your options. We care about you!
Make an appointment today!