What is An Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, oftentimes in the fallopian tubes, abdominal cavity, or ovary.
This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention as it can cause severe internal bleeding and can be life-threatening for the mother. Ectopic pregnancies cannot be carried to term and must be treated with medication or surgery.
The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can include:
Abdominal or pelvic pain, which may be sharp and severe on one side of the body
Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Low back pain
Dizziness or fainting, caused by blood loss
Shoulder pain, due to bleeding in the abdomen
Nausea and vomiting
Low human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels
An absence of fetal heart tones heard by ultrasound
It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so talk to your doctor if you suspect an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening if left untreated, so prompt medical attention is crucial.
There are several risk factors of an ectopic pregnancy, including:
Damage or abnormal development of the fallopian tubes, which can make it difficult for the egg to travel to the uterus. This can be caused by factors such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), previous ectopic pregnancies, or surgery on the fallopian tubes.
Hormonal imbalances or disorders that can affect the normal growth and development of the fertilized egg.
Scarring or blockages in the fallopian tubes that can prevent the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.
Certain medical conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids.
Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control.
Advanced maternal age
Smoking, which increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy by damaging the fallopian tubes.
It's important to note that in many cases, the cause of an ectopic pregnancy is not known.
An ectopic pregnancy will still result in a positive pregnancy test, so it can often be a traumatic and devastating diagnosis for an expectant parent. If you have received the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy, you may already be grieving the loss of your pregnancy. We are so sorry for the pain you are feeling and we want you to know that you are welcome here! In the case of a life-threatening situation, you might be presented with the option to end the pregnancy in order to save your life. While this is something no parent would ever have to decide, this is not choosing an “abortion”. This can force parents to feel isolated with guilt, and of course, this is one of the most difficult situations a Mother and Father could possibly face. Know that the Lord sees you in this decision and wants to guide you every step of the way. As you seek a plan moving forward with your Doctor, if we can walk with you, please let us know.
Need more support? Here are your next steps:
Text “4Help” to 719.626.8486 to connect with a parent who’s been in your shoes.
Download the Where Do I Go From Here e-Book to equip you with tools to process your loss.
Start the Your Journey to Joy Course. This self-guided course will connect you to Foreknown Co-Founders Alyson and Kelsi as they lead you on a journey through your pain. This content has helped hundreds of women find hope, create a plan, and start a process of healing after pregnancy loss with Jesus.
