While we wish pregnancy tests also checked for a viable, progressing pregnancy, that’s not the case. Pregnancy tests cannot tell you whether you are likely to miscarry or have already miscarried, or if you have an ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube. Because the uterus is the only organ meant to stretch and safely support a growing pregnancy, implantation elsewhere cannot continue normally and can become dangerous.
If you think you might be pregnant, scheduling an appointment at Spero Medical can help you get the answers you need. We offer no-cost pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to confirm whether your pregnancy is developing in the uterus, how far along you are (gestational age), and whether there is a detectable heartbeat.
What Are the Chances of an Ectopic Pregnancy?
While ectopic pregnancy isn’t necessarily common, every pregnant woman should be screened for it just in case. About two out of every 100 pregnancies (2%) are ectopic, requiring essential treatment.
When identified early, women can receive timely treatment with either the drug methotrexate or surgery. The sooner you treat it, the less time it has to grow and threaten your health.
What Can Increase the Risk?
Ectopic pregnancy usually occurs when something interferes with the fertilized egg’s journey to the uterus. This interference may be caused by inflammation, scarring, or physical changes in the fallopian tubes.
Possible contributing factors include previous pelvic surgery, a history of sexually transmitted infections, abnormal tube shape, or tissue growths that slow or block egg movement.
Additional factors increase the risk: smoking, having an IUD at the time of conception, in vitro fertilization (IVF), endometriosis, and tubal ligation.
Why an Ultrasound Is Essential Before the Abortion Pill
The abortion pill cannot treat an ectopic pregnancy because it empties the uterus, and an ectopic pregnancy is not inside the uterus. Even so, it can still cause cramping and vaginal bleeding during an ectopic pregnancy, which may falsely signal that the pregnancy has ended.
This can delay proper medical care and allow the ectopic pregnancy to continue growing, increasing the risk of a medical emergency. An ultrasound confirms the location of the pregnancy, which is vital to know before considering any options.
Is the Medical Treatment the Same as Abortion?
Treatment for an ectopic pregnancy is not an abortion. An ectopic pregnancy is non-viable and cannot survive, and there is currently no medical way to relocate it to the uterus. Treatment is necessary to protect a woman’s health and life.
Protect Your Health Today at Spero Medical
Early pregnancy care helps safeguard your reproductive health.
An ultrasound can confirm the location of your pregnancy, estimate gestational age, and check for a heartbeat. Having this information allows you to make informed decisions with confidence.
Spero Medical is here to provide compassionate, confidential support. If you think you may be pregnant or have questions about ectopic pregnancy, schedule an appointment today.