An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.
Because the uterus is the only location in a woman’s body meant to house a growing pregnancy, ectopic pregnancies are non-viable, meaning they are unable to survive and be carried to term.
Keep reading to learn more about ectopic pregnancies, why they matter, and how to detect them. You can also visit The Open Door in Breckenridge or Cisco, Texas, for free pregnancy services, resources, and information.
More About Ectopic Pregnancies
Ectopic pregnancies happen in about 1 in every 50 pregnancies, or 2% of the time. They generally occur when the fertilized egg is traveling to the uterus but gets stuck, likely due to the fallopian tube being inflamed or misshapen.
Once the fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube, it will begin growing. However, a fallopian tube cannot stretch like the uterus, and therefore, it could rupture and lead to life-threatening bleeding.
Preventing Dangerous Health Complications
The technology to transplant ectopic pregnancies into the uterus does not currently exist. Because ectopic pregnancies are non-viable and threaten a woman’s life, they must be treated.
Early detection is key to preventing life-threatening bleeding and any harmful effects.
Women considering the abortion pill should receive screening for ectopic pregnancies. An abortion will not treat the condition because the pregnancy is not within the uterus. This means women could receive positive pregnancy tests, take abortion pills, and think their pregnancies are over when in reality, their ectopic pregnancies are growing undetected.
The only way to detect an ectopic pregnancy is through an ultrasound scan. No matter what pregnancy option you’re leaning toward, an ultrasound is necessary for protecting your health and safety.
Schedule Your Free and Confidential Appointment
After a positive pregnancy test, it’s time to schedule a free and confidential ultrasound scan at The Open Door. With locations in Cisco and Breckenridge, we can provide early, critical pregnancy services to learn more about your pregnancy.
While we do not diagnose and treat ectopic pregnancies, if we conduct an ultrasound scan and cannot find the pregnancy, and your uterus appears empty, we will direct you to your nearest emergency room for further testing and any emergency treatment.
The Open Door is here to help. Schedule your free and confidential appointment today.
