Ectopic Pregnancy

What You Need to Know About Ectopic Pregnancy and Why It Matters Before an Abortion

When you first find out you’re pregnant, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, especially if the pregnancy wasn’t planned. You might be thinking about your options and wondering what to do next. Before you make any decision, there’s one important thing your healthcare provider or clinic needs to check even if you are considering abortion: whether the pregnancy is growing inside your uterus or somewhere else. If it’s growing outside the uterus, it’s called an ectopic pregnancy and identifying it early is crucial, as it can be life-threatening if left untreated.

What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. Because this area isn’t designed to hold a growing pregnancy, the tissue can stretch and rupture, leading to internal bleeding and serious complications.

An ectopic pregnancy cannot continue normally, and if it isn’t diagnosed and treated early, it can become life-threatening for the woman.

According to the Cleveland Clinic (2023), ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. In rare cases, it may develop in other locations such as the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity.

Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy

Early symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can feel just like a normal pregnancy – missed period, breast tenderness, and mild cramping – which is why it’s so important to get checked early.

According to the Mayo Clinic (2023), symptoms may include:

  • Light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain
  • Shoulder pain or urge to have a bowel movement (if bleeding irritates certain nerves)
  • Severe abdominal or pelvic pain that comes on suddenly
  • Weakness, dizziness, or fainting, which can signal internal bleeding

If you ever experience severe pain, dizziness, or heavy bleeding, seek emergency care right away (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

How Common Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancies occur in about 1–2% of all pregnancies – roughly 1 in 50 women. While that sounds rare, it’s serious enough that every pregnancy should be checked early to make sure it’s in the right place (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], 2018).

According to ACOG (2018), ectopic pregnancy is a significant cause of pregnancy-related complications and remains one of the leading causes of maternal death in the first trimester.

Certain factors can increase your risk, such as:

  • A previous ectopic pregnancy
  • Pelvic infections (like chlamydia or gonorrhea)
  • Prior tubal surgery
  • Use of assisted reproductive technology (like IVF)
  • Smoking (Sources: Mayo Clinic, 2023; ACOG, 2018)

Even without risk factors, an ectopic pregnancy can happen to anyone.

    Why You Need to Know If It’s Ectopic – Especially If You’re Considering Abortion

    If you’re thinking about abortion, you need to know whether your pregnancy is located inside your uterus.Here’s why:

    • Abortion pills or procedures only work on pregnancies inside the uterus. If the pregnancy is ectopic, abortion medications like mifepristone and misoprostol will not end it. The ectopic pregnancy will continue to grow and may rupture, which can be life-threatening (American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists [AAPLOG], 2023a).
    • Delaying diagnosis can be dangerous. Because early ectopic pregnancies can feel like normal pregnancies, many women don’t know they have one until pain or bleeding becomes severe. That’s why confirming the location of the pregnancy before any abortion or medication is started is so important (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
    • Treating an ectopic pregnancy is not an abortion. Both ACOG (2018) and AAPLOG (2023b) agree that treatment of an ectopic pregnancy is medically necessary and distinct from elective abortion. The goal of treatment is to protect the woman’s life and health, not to end a viable uterine pregnancy.

    How Is an Ectopic Pregnancy Found?

    An ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed through a combination of ultrasound and lab testing (ACOG, 2018):

    • Ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound can show whether a pregnancy is growing inside the uterus or in another area, like a fallopian tube.
    • Pregnancy hormone testing (hCG): This blood test helps confirm whether the pregnancy is progressing normally or may be ectopic.

    Early detection allows for safe and effective treatment before complications occur (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

    Can an Abortion Take Care of an Ectopic Pregnancy?

    No. An abortion does not treat or remove an ectopic pregnancy. Whether performed surgically or with medication, abortion procedures only affect pregnancies that are growing in the uterus.

    Ectopic pregnancies require different treatment, which may include:

    • Medication (methotrexate) for early, unruptured cases
    • Surgery if the tube is ruptured or if the woman is unstable

    Both are considered life-saving medical treatments, not elective abortions (ACOG, 2018).

    How Pregnancy Help Clinic Can Help

    At Pregnancy Help Clinic, we specialize in early pregnancy confirmation and consultations. Our goal is to make sure you have the information and reassurance you need right from the start.

    We provide free pregnancy testing and limited obstetric ultrasounds performed by licensed healthcare professionals. These services help to:

    • Confirm that your pregnancy is in the right place (inside the uterus)
    • Verify the presence of a fetal heartbeat
    • Estimate gestational age

    Knowing these details is essential for your health and safety because an abortion is not needed or effective if the pregnancy is not located in the uterus.

    We care deeply about your wellbeing and believe every woman deserves access to accurate, evidence-based education and compassionate medical care. Our team is here to help you understand your options and make an informed, safe, and healthy decision moving forward.

    Text one of our licensed healthcare providers today to schedule a free appointment, confirm your pregnancy, and get the answers you need.

    Text a Nurse

    References

    American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023a). AAPLOG responds to “Facts are important: Understanding ectopic pregnancy.” Retrieved from https://aaplog.org/aaplog-responds-to-facts-are-important-understanding-ectopic-pregnancy

    American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023b). AAPLOG statement: Clarification of abortion restrictions and ectopic pregnancy. Retrieved from https://aaplog.org/aaplog-statement-clarification-of-abortion-restrictions

    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Practice Bulletin No. 193: Tubal ectopic pregnancy. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 131(3), e91–e103. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2018/03/tubal-ectopic-pregnancy

    Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Ectopic pregnancy: Causes, symptoms & treatments. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9687-ectopic-pregnancy

    Mayo Clinic. (2023). Ectopic pregnancy: Symptoms & causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088