Pregnancy tests tell you one fact: whether or not they detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone usually only found in a woman’s urine or blood during pregnancy.
They cannot tell you whether or not your pregnancy is progressing in the correct location or if it is likely to continue. They only tell you whether or not you appear to be pregnant at the time of the test.
So what does that mean for detecting ectopic pregnancies, which can be medical emergencies, early? It means receiving an ultrasound to safeguard your health is critical.
Visit Alpha Omega Center today for free and confidential pregnancy testing. If your result is positive, we will offer you a free ultrasound to verify your pregnancy is progressing inside the uterus and not ectopic, plus detect a heartbeat and tell you how far along you are.
What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. However, ectopic pregnancies can also attach to other locations in the body, such as the abdomen, an ovary, or the cervix.
These pregnancies cannot continue as normal because only the uterus is uniquely able to hold and sustain a growing pregnancy, which stretches from the size of a lemon to a watermelon during pregnancy.
Other structures like fallopian tubes cannot stretch, leading to the chance of tubal rupture (when your fallopian tube bursts), which causes life-threatening bleeding.
While an ectopic pregnancy will give you a positive pregnancy test, you will not know for sure whether or not it’s ectopic unless you receive an ultrasound or begin to experience symptoms of complications and head to the doctor or emergency room.
What Are the Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Some of the earliest warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy include light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. Though, you may not exactly tie this to an ectopic pregnancy.
You could also feel an urge to have a bowel movement or shoulder pain from blood leaking from a fallopian tube, which collects and can irritate nerves.
Seek emergency medical care if you feel extreme lightheadedness, fainting, or shock. These are symptoms of the fallopian tube rupturing and causing heavy bleeding inside the abdomen.
Early Detection Is Key.
The sooner you can detect an ectopic pregnancy, the sooner you can treat the condition and prevent complications like tubal rupture and heavy bleeding.
Make sure to schedule an ultrasound right after your positive at-home pregnancy test. This will ensure you properly screen for ectopic pregnancy.
Even if you are considering an abortion, an ultrasound will protect your health. The abortion pill cannot treat an ectopic pregnancy, which can leave the condition undetected.
Schedule a free and confidential pregnancy testing appointment at Alpha Omega Center. If positive, we will offer a free ultrasound to safeguard your health.
