WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Ectopic Pregnancy: Signs and Risks

Ectopic Pregnancy: Signs and Risks
What's an ectopic pregnancy? Well, it's when a fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
The catch? This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. 🚨
What Ectopic Pregnancy Feels Like
  • Sharp Pain: If you're experiencing sharp or stabbing pain on one side of your lower abdomen, it's time to dial your healthcare provider.
  • Vaginal Bleeding: Unusual vaginal bleeding that's different from your regular period can be a red flag.
  • Shoulder Pain: This one might seem weird, but if you're experiencing pain at the tip of your shoulder, it could indicate internal bleeding.
Remember, only a qualified healthcare provider can diagnose an ectopic pregnancy through a variety of tests like ultrasound and blood tests.
Don't self-diagnose; if you're worried, get professional help.
Risks and Red Flags: Who's Most Susceptible
Sure, we all want a smooth-sailing pregnancy, but some factors can put you at a higher risk for an ectopic pregnancy.
Are you over 35? Have you had an ectopic pregnancy before?
Are you struggling with pelvic inflammatory disease? These could all make you more susceptible. 😬
  • Age: Women over 35 are at a higher risk.
  • Previous Ectopic Pregnancy: If you've had one before, the chances of having another one increase.
  • Reproductive Health: Conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect the health of your fallopian tubes.
But don't let these risks scare you away.
The key is early detection and prompt treatment. With regular prenatal checkups, you're well on your way to catching any hiccups before they become big issues. 👩‍⚕️
The Do's and Don'ts: How to Mitigate the Risks
Who doesn't love a good checklist? 📝 To steer clear of ectopic pregnancies, there are some do's and don'ts to consider.
Do's:
  • Regular Check-ups: Consistently seeing your healthcare provider for prenatal visits can help catch issues before they escalate.
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet and staying physically active can keep your reproductive system in tip-top shape.
  • Know the Signs: Being aware of the early warning signs of ectopic pregnancy can be a lifesaver.
Don'ts:
  • Ignore Symptoms: Don't overlook potential warning signs. Take them seriously and consult your healthcare provider.
  • Skip Screenings: If you have a history of ectopic pregnancies or other reproductive issues, skipping your regular screenings is a no-go.
Immediate Steps: What to Do If You Suspect an Ectopic Pregnancy
⏰ If you suspect you're experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, the first step is to seek immediate medical attention.
Here's your action plan:
  • Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room: This is a medical emergency that needs urgent attention.
  • Contact Your OB-GYN: Your healthcare provider can offer immediate advice and treatment options.
  • Get an Ultrasound: This imaging test can help healthcare providers diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.
More info
A
Aayahna
15 Jan 2024

Has anyone ever had a ectopic pregnancy? Or I had an ultra sound done on my stomach and vaginaly and they didn’t see a baby or see anything in my ribs but I’m considered 9 weeks this is my first child and I’m so nervous because they told me to wait and such can anyone help me? I just need more info why no baby but I’m considered 9 weeks and don’t even see anything in my tubs to fully consider a ectopic pregnancy

21 comments
B
Betty
Wow did they check your hcg levels? I heard ectopic pregnancy hurts . Were u bleeding ?
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Aayahna
No I haven’t had any bleeding at all
27 Mar 2024

Answer


R
Rachel
29 Dec 2023

Hey guys! Currently 8weeks and 2days! I was diagnosed with endometriosis back in 2015 and had an ectopic pregnancy in 2017! I’m scared and nervous that I’m gonna have complications with this pregnancy! Can anybody relate? Should I inform my doctor?

3 comments
R
Rachel
I’m trying to stay positive as well. My first appt is next Friday. When I have the ectopic pregnancy I was only like 5-6 weeks. 12 weeks is prettty far along when you lost yours. God bless you and will be keeping you in my prayers.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

N
Nikita Rachae Cruz
30 Jun 2023

#newtotheapp had 3 miscarriages & 1 ectopic pregnancy and I'm still hoping for our rainbow 🌈 👶 😭.. #prayingthatthisyearisgood

2 comments
A
Ashton
Sending you baby dust❤️
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
N
Nikita Rachae Cruz
thank you
27 Mar 2024

Answer


B
Betina
27 Jun 2023

8w2d pregnant just left my doctor office and it seem that I’m having an ectopic pregnancy. Second ultrasound and doctor not able to see anything. Doctor convinced it might be a ectopic pregnancy to head to the Er to check my level of HCG. I was given the option to go under surgery to really see if it’s an ectopic pregnancy or take a dose to terminate the pregnancy. Not sure what to even do. I’m 💔😞

4 comments
B
Betina
Thanks for sharing your experiences more likely I’ll take the dose. I’m still speechless.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Antoneshia
Sorry to hear that but to be honest i would just take the dose to terminate the pregnancy if it’s really a ectopic pregnancy I took the medicine don’t let them do no surgery on you I’m telling you from experience I had a ectopic pregnancy back last year they was trying to remove my fallopian tube I refuse it but then I was blessed with my son 11 months later getting ready to have him next week
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Alyx
23 Jun 2023

I have been following my hcg levels for the last two weeks because I’ve had some minimal spotting. At first my doctor was concerned because they were not doubling. I met with them today and she said that they are rising fine, not doubling but super close and they are fine for where I’m at in the pregnancy. With where my hcg level is something should be seen on an ultrasound. I had an ultrasound today and they couldn’t see anything! No sac, no yolk, “no signs of pregnancy” at all. The ultrasound tech went really fast and didn’t explain anything to me. They are worried it might be an ectopic. They didn’t see signs of ectopic either. I don’t have any pain or cramping. So I will do one more blood draw and one more ultrasound on Monday. Has this happened to anyone?? I am so confused and so sad but trying to stay hopeful.

1 comments
C
Cici
Sounds like a pregnancy in a unknown Location I'm going thru this as well I have 5 kids never experienced nothing like this
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

C
Calli Lynne🙂
19 Feb 2023

Is ectopic pregnancy cramps unbearable ? It’s my first pregnancy and I just think I’m overthinking but would like to be aware of the symptoms.

6 comments
A
Asia
Hey is that the type of pregnancy your experiencing?
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
C
Calli Lynne🙂
No it was just a question love!
27 Mar 2024

Answer


M
Marissa
11 Aug 2022

As of right now the doctor thinks I'm having an ectopic pregnancy. 😭 waiting for my final levels today and hoping and praying for the best 🙏🤞

3 comments
M
Marissa
Just got the call and my numbers are where they want them to be so not in the clear yet but sounds good.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Amber
Praying 🙏 for u and lil one❤️‍🩹
27 Mar 2024

Answer


N
Nique
6 Aug 2022

Found out I was pregnant 8/1/22 and being in the hospital the last 3 days for pelvic pain and bleeding. Doctors were concerned if it was an ectopic pregnancy or early miscarriage. They ruled out ectopic pregnancy & told me my hcg levels dropped tremendously from a 886 to 327 which means my body is likely to be undergoing a miscarriage 😢

5 comments
C
Cyrina
So sorry mama
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Amber
🎈🧸❤️‍🩹
27 Mar 2024

Answer


L
Lila
29 Jul 2022

Has anyone experienced a ectopic pregnancy? I’m only 5 weeks and I’m cramping on one side and spotting, I recently got a ultrasound done and my doc is concerned it might be a ectopic pregnancy. I recently got blood work done to confirm. I’m stressed out. Has anyone experienced this ?

13 comments
C
Catherine
No I haven’t but I can only imagine how stressful it might be. Praying 🙏🏾
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
D
Danielle 🦦🪷
I was spotting. Cramping on one side. Doubled over in pain a lot. Hcg was slow rising.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


L
Lenny
25 May 2022

Hi ladies. I’m 9dpo and I took a test and it’s looking light weight positive. But I’m also having small pulsing on my right side pelvic. I’ve had an ectopic pregnancy like 8 years ago and im super afraid that this might be another one. I have a 3 yearl old and with him everything went smooth. Does anyone know if it can be part of implantation or it’s the beginning of any ectopic? For ladies who had and ectopic or know anything about this. Thank you in advance

1 comments
N
Nicki
When you know what you're looking for, lots of Mamas feel implantation 💙
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

Related articles

Hot topics

More questions from Moms