So you’ve recently had an abortion and you’re constantly questioning what’s going on with your body after noticing a cramp, slight ache or a spot of blood. Or maybe your period is late and now you’ve stumbled upon the term ‘ectopic pregnancy’ and suddenly fear creeps in, we agree, the word does sound scary.
First of all, take a deep breath, I want you to know that you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to feel a myriad of emotions like confusion, anxiety or even physical changes after your abortion. It’s your body and mind trying to adjust and keep up.
Also, there is a lot of information, even misleading ones out there and I get how overwhelming it can be. But here’s the truth: most of the time everything is fine. Still, it is important to be aware of the signs of ectopic pregnancy after abortion not because it happens often but knowing what you should watch out for puts you in charge of your health.
Know that this is a safe space where you can get real, supportive and stigma free information, because you deserve clarity not anxiety. So let’s break it down together.
How does an Ectopic Pregnancy happen and why is it dangerous?
Your body is doing its best to heal but sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertlized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus and (most often) in the fallopian tube.
This can be dangerous because fallopian tubes aren’t built to hold a growing pregnancy and if the egg continues to grow there, it can cause the tube to rupture which leads to internal bleeding and possible serious complications. I know the thought of this sounds scary but understand that ectopic pregnancies are rare and affect only 1-2% of pregnancies (NHS, 2022).
The key to this is early detection- when caught early, the treatment is much simpler and safer. You do not need to panic but be aware of the warning signs for your safety. If anything feels off, you can always reach out for help.
Who is at higher risk?
Let’s clear up a huge myth- having an abortion does not increase your risk of an ectopic pregnancy. However there are a few factors that make someone more likely to experience one. You may be at a higher risk if:
- You’ve had an ectopic pregnancy
- You have had infections like- chlamydia or gonorrhea
- You’ve had a surgery for your fallopian tubes
- You have endometriosis
If none of the above apply to you then be relieved, your chances of having an ectopic pregnancy are extremely low! But even if you may be at a risk, remember that early care makes a huge difference.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy and why should you be aware of it?
Ectopic pregnancy is when your fertilized egg attaches in a location which isn’t normal for a regular pregnancy which leads it to not develop properly.
You should be aware of signs of ectopic pregnancy after abortion because while it is rare, an undetected ectopic pregnancy can become a serious medical emergency. Since the pregnancy cannot continue normally, it can lead to internal bleeding and severe complications if the fallopian tube ruptures.
Early warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy
Your body has a way of communicating with you when something isn’t going on right- so pay attention to how you feel and trust your instincts. Ectopic pregnancies usually start showing symptoms within 4-6 weeks of conception. The most common signs of ectopic pregnancy after abortion include persistent discomfort and unusual bleeding. Some women may experience mild but persistent one-sided pelvic pain after abortion, which may start as a slight ache and gradually increase. Light vaginal bleeding or brown spotting- which isn’t like your regular period, can also be an early sign. Another indicator is that you get a positive pregnancy test for weeks after your abortion which means that pregnancy tissue is still present.
Severe symptoms include dizziness or weakness which may happen due to internal bleeding. If you notice these symptoms, we suggest you seek medical care as soon as possible.
Can you prevent an ectopic pregnancy?
I wish there was a perfect and guaranteed way to prevent ectopic pregnancy altogether but the bitter truth is that sometimes they just happen. Anyhow, there are a few things that you can do to reduce your risk:
Regular STI screening is one of the most important preventive measures as untreated infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea may cause scarring in your fallopian tubes. If you leave these infections untreated, they increase the chance of an ectopic pregnancy by preventing the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus. Using reliable contraception is also a practical way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and lower the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy. Birth control methods such as- Intrauterine devices (IUD) or hormonal contraception significantly reduce the risk of unexpected pregnancies which may become ectopic.
A small but useful tip would be to try and inculcate healthy habits focused on improving fertility and lowering pregnancy risks. You can reach out to our gynaecologists to identify which habits could be affecting these aspects and what steps you can take. While not all ectopic pregnancies can be prevented, early awareness and prompt medical care can ensure a safe outcome for you.
Does previous abortion cause ectopic pregnancy?
No, a safe and legal abortion does not increase your risk of an ectopic pregnancy. This is a common myth but medically there is no evidence liking abortion to ectopic pregnancy (ACOG, 2021). Ectopic pregnancy symptoms are most often linked to factors like past infections or medical procedures for fallopian tubes.
What’s normal after an abortion- and what’s not?
After an abortion, your body will go through changes as it heals and it is normal to experience light bleeding, mild cramping and hormonal mood changes, this is a part of the recovery process.
When should you call a doctor?
If you have recently had an abortion and are experiencing any of the below (warning) signs, we genuinely suggest you seek medical care.
- Persistent, sharp pain in one side of your lower abdomen
- Unusual vaginal bleeding that does not stop
- Severe weakness, dizziness or even fainting
On detection, doctors can confirm through ultrasounds and blood tests, if you have an ectopic pregnancy. Remember, early detection is key.
Final Thoughts
I know this experience might not have been what you expected, your body is changing and you may feel your emotions all over the place but you are not alone. We tend to spiral when our body feels different than we expected but know that ectopic pregnancies are rare. Most post-abortion symptoms are completely normal and if something feels wrong, you can always reach out for help. Trust yourself, you know your body better than anyone (your doctor may be a close competition) and support is always within reach.
How can Proactive for Her help?
We know that after an abortion you may have a lot of questions and you deserve answers without judgement and which don’t scare you. Whether you need a check-up or just reassurance, we are here to support you. From ultrasound to blood tests, we provide clear, reliable information about your health. Your experiences, choices, and concerns matter, and you are safe with us. Whether you’re looking for peace of mind or medical care, you don’t have to figure this out alone.
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"Proactive For Her made me feel safe and heard when I needed it the most. There was no judgment, just genuine care. They answered all my questions and made sure I felt comfortable. I walked out feeling reassured and in control of my health."
- Anonymous
FAQs
What are the signs of an ectopic pregnancy after an abortion?
Ans. Signs of an ectopic pregnancy after an abortion can include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and shoulder pain. However, an ectopic pregnancy may not always cause symptoms.
How common is ectopic pregnancy following an abortion?
Ans. Ectopic pregnancy is not very common after an abortion, occurring in less than 1% of patients who have an abortion. However, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is higher if you have a history of post-abortion infection.
Can an ectopic pregnancy be mistaken for a normal post-abortion recovery?
Ans. The bleeding that follows an ectopic pregnancy, particularly when treated with methotrexate, can be very heavy and clotty and result in the passing of what we call a decidual cast. This decidual cast can cause confusion and worry and it can often be mistaken for the tissue of their baby.
What should I do if I suspect an ectopic pregnancy after an abortion?
Ans. If you even mildly suspect an ectopic pregnancy it is best to get it clarified by consulting with a doctor. Look out for these signs- persistent pain in one side of your lower abdomen, unusual vaginal bleeding that does not stop, severe weakness, dizziness or even fainting.
Are there specific risk factors for ectopic pregnancy post-abortion?
Ans. A properly-done abortion is usually not considered a significant risk factor for ectopic pregnancy. However, factors like a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), previous ectopic pregnancies, or existing tubal damage could increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy following an abortion, regardless of the method used.
How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed after an abortion?
Ans. A pelvic exam can help your doctor identify areas of pain, tenderness, or a mass in the fallopian tube or ovary. However, you'll also need blood tests and an ultrasound.
What treatments are available for ectopic pregnancy following an abortion?
Ans. The main treatments for an ectopic pregnancy are medication or surgery. The treatment depends on the type of ectopic pregnancy, the stability of the patient, and whether the fallopian tube has ruptured.
Can an ectopic pregnancy affect future fertility?
Ans. Most women who experience ectopic pregnancy and treatment will achieve a successful pregnancy in the future, even if they've lost one fallopian tube as part of the therapy. There is a 10% risk of recurrence, hence it's important to consult your doctor when planning for a future pregnancy.
How soon after an abortion can an ectopic pregnancy occur?
Ans. There's no evidence that medical abortions increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. However, we trust your doctor to be alert and cautious regarding your health if you have any particular conditions.
Are there preventive measures to avoid ectopic pregnancy after an abortion?
Ans. While there are no guaranteed preventative measures to avoid an ectopic pregnancy after an abortion, the most effective way to reduce your risk is to practice safe sex by using condoms to prevent STIs, because if untreated, it can increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, which is a major risk factor .