Warning Signs of an Ectopic Pregnancy

About 25 out of every 1,000 pregnancies are ectopic, when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus – usually on a Fallopian tube. Rather than develop into a baby, the pregnancy leads to miscarriage. 

Considered a medical emergency, ectopic pregnancies can threaten your life. Understanding and taking action on the signs, on the other hand, can help save it.

At our office in Atlanta, Georgia, North Atlanta OB/GYN team provides general and high-risk obstetrics care for every stage of your fertility. 

Here’s a closer look at ectopic pregnancies, including warning signs to take seriously.

Who’s at risk for ectopic pregnancy 

Most anyone who can get pregnant could experience an ectopic pregnancy, but your risk is heightened if you’ve had one before. Other risk factors include having endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or a history of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). Infertility treatment may also contribute. 

All these factors slow down the fertilized egg’s journey to your uterus, making an ectopic pregnancy more likely.

Signs of an ectopic pregnancy 

Some ectopic pregnancies cause no noticeable symptoms. For many people, however, warning signs include:

• Bloating
• Dizziness or weakness
• Nausea or vomiting, which may be mistaken for morning sickness
• Vaginal bleeding
• Lower abdomen cramping or pelvic pain 
• Shoulder pain, if blood leaks from your Fallopian tube

If your Fallopian tube ruptures from the ectopic pregnancy, you may experience severe pain followed by low blood pressure or fainting. If this happens, emergency medical care is crucial.

Ectopic pregnancy signs that show up on medical tests include low levels of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone and the appearance of the improperly placed egg on an ultrasound.

Ectopic pregnancy treatment

If you’re diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, your provider may recommend  the injected mediation, methotrexate, to preserve your Fallopian tubes. If a tube has ruptured, you may require surgery to remove the egg and tube itself. 

After your treatment, you may feel tired or fatigued for several weeks while your pregnancy hormones level out. Our team will monitor your well-being through follow-up appointments to ensure that you’re doing well physically and emotionally.

Pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy

If you wish to get pregnant again following an ectopic pregnancy, you likely can – even if you’ve had a Fallopian tube removed. The likelihood of your next pregnancy evolving normally depends on factors like your age and overall health. In general, though, the risk of ectopic pregnancy recurrence is about 10%.

If you’re concerned about ectopic pregnancy or have noticed any of the warning signs, call the North Atlanta OB/GYN location nearest you or book an appointment using our convenient online scheduler today. After hours or if you’re experiencing sudden or severe symptoms, call 911.