What causes ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy is caused by conditions that prevent or slow the fertilized egg from moving through the fallopian tube into the uterus. Scarring from pelvic inflammatory disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a common cause, as these infections damage the delicate tubes. Previous tubal surgery, endometriosis, or abnormal tube shape can also trap the embryo, forcing it to implant in the wrong location where it cannot survive.

What is the best test for ectopic pregnancy?

The Pregnancy test (very early) - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Total, Quantitative is the most important test for ectopic pregnancy because it measures the exact level of pregnancy hormone in your blood. In a normal pregnancy, hCG doubles approximately every 48-72 hours, but in an ectopic pregnancy, the levels rise much more slowly or plateau. Your doctor will typically order this test twice, 48 hours apart, to track the rate of increase. The Amylase, Serum test may also be recommended if you have severe abdominal pain, as elevated levels can indicate internal inflammation from complications.

When should I get tested for ectopic pregnancy?

You should get tested if you have a positive home pregnancy test along with sharp pelvic or abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding that is lighter or different from your normal period, shoulder pain, or dizziness and fainting. Any pregnant woman experiencing these symptoms needs immediate evaluation, as ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. Early testing is critical because rupture of the fallopian tube can cause life-threatening internal bleeding, typically occurring between 6-16 weeks of pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy symptoms typically begin around 6-8 weeks after your last menstrual period. You might notice sharp, stabbing pain on one side of your abdomen or pelvis, light vaginal bleeding or spotting that looks different from your normal period, and shoulder pain caused by internal bleeding irritating your diaphragm. As the condition progresses, you may experience dizziness, fainting, nausea, and severe abdominal pain if the fallopian tube ruptures.

Who is at risk for ectopic pregnancy?

Women who have had previous pelvic inflammatory disease from sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea face the highest risk because these infections scar the fallopian tubes. Other risk factors include previous ectopic pregnancy, prior tubal or pelvic surgery, endometriosis, smoking, and using fertility treatments. Having an intrauterine device (IUD) in place or becoming pregnant after tubal ligation also increases risk, though pregnancy itself is rare in these situations.

What happens if ectopic pregnancy is left untreated?

Untreated ectopic pregnancy leads to rupture of the fallopian tube as the embryo grows, causing life-threatening internal bleeding into your abdomen. This medical emergency can result in severe blood loss, shock, permanent damage to your reproductive organs, and even death if not treated immediately. Even before rupture, the growing embryo damages the fallopian tube, which may need to be surgically removed, potentially affecting your future fertility.

Can ectopic pregnancy be diagnosed with a blood test?

Blood tests are essential for detecting ectopic pregnancy but cannot diagnose it definitively on their own. The hCG blood test reveals abnormal hormone patterns where levels rise too slowly compared to normal pregnancy, creating strong suspicion of ectopic implantation. Your doctor will use blood test results combined with transvaginal ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis, as imaging can show whether the pregnancy is inside or outside the uterus and detect internal bleeding.

How is ectopic pregnancy treated?

Treatment depends on how far the ectopic pregnancy has progressed and whether the fallopian tube has ruptured. Early-detected ectopic pregnancies can often be treated with methotrexate, a medication that stops the embryo from growing and allows your body to absorb the tissue. If the tube has ruptured or is about to rupture, you will need emergency surgery called laparoscopy to remove the ectopic pregnancy and possibly the damaged fallopian tube to prevent life-threatening bleeding.

How can I prevent ectopic pregnancy?

You can reduce your risk of ectopic pregnancy by protecting your fallopian tubes from damage. Practice safe sex using condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea that scar your tubes. Get regular STI screenings and treat any infections promptly with antibiotics. If you smoke, quitting significantly reduces your risk, as smoking damages the fallopian tubes and impairs their ability to move the embryo toward the uterus.

What can I do at home for ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that cannot be managed at home with natural remedies or self-care. If you suspect you have an ectopic pregnancy based on symptoms like pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding during early pregnancy, you must seek immediate medical attention. While recovering from treatment, you can support your body by resting, eating nutritious foods rich in iron to rebuild blood stores, and attending all follow-up appointments to ensure your hCG levels return to zero and no pregnancy tissue remains.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Ectopic Pregnancy Blood Test

What is Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. It is caused by abnormal embryo implantation that prevents proper development and can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. The Pregnancy test (very early) - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Total, Quantitative is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects abnormally rising hormone levels characteristic of ectopic pregnancy.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com