A positive pregnancy test should bring clarity — but if you are experiencing sharp pelvic pain, shoulder pain, or heavy bleeding, your body may be sending a serious warning signal. Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. Knowing the symptoms and getting an ultrasound immediately could save your life.

What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus — most commonly in a fallopian tube. Because the fallopian tube cannot expand to accommodate a growing embryo, the tube can rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can be easy to confuse with normal early pregnancy symptoms or even a miscarriage. Here is what to watch for:

Symptom	Description	Urgency
Sharp pelvic pain	One-sided pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis	High
Vaginal bleeding	Light to heavy bleeding, different from a normal period	High
Shoulder tip pain	Pain at the tip of the shoulder (sign of internal bleeding)	Emergency
Dizziness or fainting	May indicate internal bleeding and shock	Emergency
Nausea and vomiting	Common in early pregnancy but intensified with ectopic	Moderate
Rectal pressure	Feeling of needing to have a bowel movement	Moderate

Why the Abortion Pill Will Not Treat an Ectopic Pregnancy

This is one of the most critical facts every woman needs to know: the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) does not treat an ectopic pregnancy. If you take the abortion pill while having an undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, the ectopic pregnancy will continue to grow — and the risk of rupture and life-threatening bleeding remains.

“Every woman who receives a positive pregnancy test should have an ultrasound before taking any medication or making any decision. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm where the pregnancy is located.”

— Problem Pregnancy Center

Why You Need an Ultrasound Before Any Decision

An ultrasound is the only way to confirm the location of your pregnancy. Without an ultrasound, you cannot know whether your pregnancy is:

• In the uterus (intrauterine) — the only location where a pregnancy can develop normally
• In the fallopian tube (tubal ectopic) — the most common type of ectopic pregnancy
• In the cervix, ovary, or abdominal cavity — rare but possible ectopic locations
• A miscarriage in progress — which requires different medical management

Risk Factors for Ectopic Pregnancy

While any woman can have an ectopic pregnancy, certain factors increase the risk. Knowing your risk level makes getting an early ultrasound even more important:

• Previous ectopic pregnancy
• Previous pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or STI
• Previous fallopian tube surgery
• Endometriosis
• Fertility treatments (IVF)
• Smoking
• Pregnancy with an IUD in place

Free Ultrasound in Southfield, MI

You do not have to pay hundreds of dollars at an abortion clinic or emergency room to find out if your pregnancy is viable. Problem Pregnancy Center provides free, limited obstetric ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy location, viability, and gestational age — completely free, with no insurance required.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can an ectopic pregnancy be detected on a home pregnancy test?

Yes, a home pregnancy test will show positive with an ectopic pregnancy because hCG is still produced. However, a home test cannot tell you where the pregnancy is located. Only an ultrasound can confirm the pregnancy is in the uterus.

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❓ How early can an ectopic pregnancy be detected?

An ectopic pregnancy can typically be detected by ultrasound between 5-6 weeks of pregnancy. This is why it is critical to get an ultrasound as soon as you receive a positive pregnancy test, especially if you have any risk factors.

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❓ What happens if an ectopic pregnancy ruptures?

A ruptured ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening emergency. It causes severe internal bleeding and requires immediate surgery. Symptoms of rupture include sudden, severe abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, dizziness, and fainting. Call 911 immediately.

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❓ Is the abortion pill safe if I might have an ectopic pregnancy?

No. The abortion pill does not treat ectopic pregnancies. Taking it with an undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy is dangerous. You must have an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy is in the uterus before taking any medication.

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❓ Does Problem Pregnancy Center provide ultrasounds for free?

Yes. Problem Pregnancy Center provides free, limited obstetric ultrasounds in Southfield, MI. Our ultrasounds are performed by licensed sonographers and can confirm pregnancy location, viability, and gestational age at no cost to you.