Medical abortion: Why Medical Evaluation Matters

Ectopic Pregnancy: Why Medical Evaluation Matters

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. Although ectopic pregnancies are uncommon, they can become a medical emergency if the pregnancy grows and causes the tube to rupture.

That is why getting evaluated by a healthcare professional is important when an ectopic pregnancy is possible.

See a Doctor If You May Be Pregnant and Have Concerning Symptoms

Symptoms can vary, especially early in pregnancy. Possible warning signs include:

• One-sided pelvic or abdominal pain
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Shoulder pain
• Dizziness, weakness, or fainting
• Pain that becomes severe or suddenly worsens

These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have an ectopic pregnancy, but they warrant medical attention.

Severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fainting, significant dizziness, or heavy bleeding can be an emergency. Seek emergency medical care immediately.

An Ultrasound Can Help Determine What Is Happening

If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, a healthcare professional may use an ultrasound, often along with blood tests measuring the pregnancy hormone hCG.

An ultrasound can help determine whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus and whether there are findings that raise concern for an ectopic pregnancy.

Sometimes an ultrasound performed very early in pregnancy cannot yet clearly show where the pregnancy is located. In that situation, additional blood tests or another ultrasound may be necessary.

Don’t Skip the Follow-Up Appointment

Follow-up is an important part of safely managing an early pregnancy when the location or viability of the pregnancy isn’t yet clear.

A doctor may recommend:

• Repeat hCG blood testing
• A follow-up ultrasound
• Monitoring symptoms
• Treatment if an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed

Even if you feel better, don’t skip a recommended follow-up appointment. An ectopic pregnancy can sometimes develop or become apparent over time.

Be Careful With Abortion Pills Purchased Online

If you are considering ending a pregnancy, talk with a qualified healthcare professional or a legitimate medical provider before taking medication.

Do not assume that abortion medication is appropriate simply because a pregnancy test is positive. Medication abortion does not treat an ectopic pregnancy. If an ectopic pregnancy is present, taking abortion medication could delay appropriate treatment while the ectopic pregnancy continues to develop.

Medications purchased from an unknown or unverified online source may also have uncertain authenticity, dosage, storage conditions, or instructions.

A medical evaluation can help determine whether the pregnancy is in the uterus and whether medication abortion is medically appropriate.

The Bottom Line

If you have a positive pregnancy test and are considering your options, getting medical care first can help protect your health.

See a doctor. Get the recommended ultrasound and testing. Keep your follow-up appointment. And don’t rely on abortion pills purchased from an unknown online source to manage a pregnancy before an ectopic pregnancy has been ruled out.

If you develop severe pain, fainting, significant dizziness, shoulder pain accompanied by other concerning symptoms, or heavy bleeding, seek emergency medical care immediately.