What should you know about ectopic and intrauterine pregnancy?

A pregnancy test confirms pregnancy-related hormone activity but does not show where the pregnancy is located. Clinicians combine symptoms, repeated hormone measurements, examination, and ultrasound findings. Early on, a scan may not yet show a clear pregnancy in the uterus, so follow-up can be needed. Pelvic infection, including pelvic inflammatory disease, can damage the fallopian tubes and increase concern for an ectopic location. A confirmed pregnancy in the uterus does not remove every possibility of another pregnancy elsewhere, so unusual symptoms still deserve review.

Contact an early-pregnancy or emergency service if an ectopic pregnancy is being considered. A transvaginal ultrasound can examine the uterus, tubes, ovaries, and pelvis. If an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, options may include close monitoring, medicine, or surgery, depending on symptoms, scan findings, hormone results, and overall health. Surgery such as salpingectomy removes an affected fallopian tube when that approach is needed. Your clinician will explain fertility considerations and follow-up.

Seek emergency help for sudden or severe pelvic pain, pain at the shoulder tip, dizziness, fainting, weakness, heavy vaginal bleeding, or collapse. These signs can indicate internal bleeding. Do not wait for a repeat test or scan if symptoms are severe, even if a pregnancy test result is unclear.

Ask when the next ultrasound or hormone test should happen, what the scan has shown about pregnancy location, which treatment options fit your findings, and which symptoms mean you should go straight to emergency care.