Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic Pregnancy. What is it and why do I need to know about it?
If pregnancy was, or wasn’t, in your plans, you need to confirm the pregnancy is viable, how far along you are, and if it is in the right position.
This means ruling out an ectopic pregnancy, also referred to a tubal pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus. This implementation typically occurs in the fallopian tubes. You can easily imagine, how this can be a problem as there is not the space to allow a fertilized egg to develop normally.
If an ectopic pregnancy goes undetected, as the embryo continues to grow, it can cause the fallopian tube to burst. This may put the woman’s life at risk.
Ectopic pregnancies are rare, however they do happen.
If you are pregnant, or suspect you may be, it is important to have a medical verification of pregnancy with an ultrasound. At TruCare Clinic in Austin, Texas, we provide a safe and confidential environment for reliable pregnancy testing.
Please read these frequently asked questions on ectopic pregnancy below:
If I get treatment for an ectopic pregnancy, is it considered an abortion in Texas?
No, not at all. Intervention is necessary with an ectopic pregnancy and you must seek care.
Medical intervention in the case of an ectopic pregnancy is not considered an abortion.
Do I need to be concerned about local and state abortion laws in Texas if I have an ectopic pregnancy?
No. The laws restricting abortions do not apply to ectopic pregnancies. There is help for women facing an ectopic pregnancy. It does not matter where you live. Treatment for ectopic pregnancy is legal and accessible in every state from Texas to California to Colorado to Oklahoma and everywhere in between.
Are there common warning signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, in the beginning, may seem the same as a regular pregnancy. These include nausea, missed period, mood swings, and a positive pregnancy test. There most likely won’t be any external signs of ectopic pregnancy until the embryo starts to grow.
An early-detection ultrasound is essential. An ultrasound allows a medical professional to see where the embryo is implanted. This will help to rule out ectopic pregnancy concerns.
Some of the first indicators of an ectopic pregnancy may be light vaginal bleeding.
There may also be more severe symptoms if the fallopian tube begins to fracture or burst. It is essential to seek medical advice immediately if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- vaginal bleeding
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- elevated temperature
- vomiting
- swelling in the upper or lower extremities or face
- abdominal or pelvic pain
- belabored breathing
- grueling headache
- watery fluid from the vagina
- other serious symptoms
- severe stomach pain/cramping
- chest pain
- painful urination
Where can I get an early-detection ultrasound in Austin, Texas?
TruCare Clinic in Austin, Texas provides early detection pregnancy confirmation ultrasounds completely free of charge.
How can I know for sure if I'm having an ectopic pregnancy?
Research suggests that certain STIs or infections, such as Chlamydia, may increase the chance of an ectopic pregnancy. This is due to the production of a particular protein that the STD or STI causes. See the source link below for more information.
Does a previous ectopic pregnancy ruin my chances of getting pregnant in the future?
Research suggests that most women who experience an ectopic pregnancy can have future healthy pregnancies. In the case where a fallopian tube is damaged or removed due to an ectopic pregnancy, an egg can still join with a sperm in the remaining tube and travel to the uterus successfully.
Home pregnancy tests are readily available in Texas. Unfortunately, their results will only provide you with a yes or no that you are pregnant. They do not have the ability to identify a tubal pregnancy, also known as an ectopic pregnancy, or any other abnormalities.
A medical verification of pregnancy, which reliably confirms your levels of hCG, and/or an ultrasound is essential to verify your pregnancy and to confirm potential health risks.
At TruCare Clinic, we will provide you a free ultrasound and medical verification of pregnancy.
Please Note: This information is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Please go to your nearest emergency room if you are having concerns or need immediate medical consultation.
Sources:
Science Daily
Mayo Clinic
