Can a Pregnancy Test Detect an Ectopic Pregnancy?

March 21, 2025

Share this Article:

A woman is sitting on a couch holding her stomach in pain.

Experiencing an ectopic pregnancy can be a life-threatening event. Many women do not know it is happening to them. It is critical that you know what is happening with your body so you can take action immediately if needed. If you have questions, such as “Do ectopic pregnancies show on pregnancy tests?” it may be time to contact us about our pregnancy services to get the reassurance you need.

What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus. It happens when a fertilized egg implants where it should not, often in the fallopian tube, ovaries, cervix, or abdominal cavity. It is not safe for this type of pregnancy to continue because it can put your health at risk. The uterus is the only part of your body in which a pregnancy can occur.

What Pregnancy Tests Can and Cannot Detect

A pregnancy test can detect an ectopic pregnancy in some situations. That is because these pregnancies produce human growth hormones or HGH. That is the hormone that these pregnancy tests look for to indicate that you are pregnant. When you come in for free pregnancy testing, we can offer insight into whether there is a risk that your pregnancy is ectopic.

If you have other symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, we may recommend additional testing, including a limited ultrasound, to find out what is occurring. In some situations, this can prove to be lifesaving.

Many women do not know that they have an ectopic pregnancy until their first prenatal appointment. While a pregnancy test can detect the presence of HGH, it cannot tell the difference between a viable pregnancy and an ectopic one.

Common Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy

If you have any of the following symptoms, it is quite important to seek support and guidance. Our team is here to help you.

Abdominal Pain

Many women will feel abdominal pain, including tenderness or soreness. Over time, it may worsen into pain that hurts more when you move and may be constant. It may be pain on just one side of your body or lower abdominal or back pain.

Shoulder Pain

You may also have shoulder tip pain. This very distinctive pain is likely something you have never experienced before. It often develops when you are feeling other types of pain, such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or just an overall sense of being unwell.

Vaginal Pain

Painful Bladder or Bowel Movements

Some women experience changes in bowel habits, including the onset of diarrhea, pain when having a bowel movement, or pain when you urinate. Any type of sharp or shooting vaginal pain should also be investigated.

Fainting and Lightheadedness

If you feel lightheaded or faint, that is a sign to sit down and then get medical care. If you are feeling generally unwell, that could also be a contributing factor.

When to Get an Ultrasound and Additional Support

If you are experiencing unusual pregnancy symptoms and are concerned about the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Willow Womens Center offers limited ultrasounds to check for pregnancy viability. If there is concern about an ectopic pregnancy, we can perform an ultrasound as long as there has been no active vaginal bleeding in the past 24 hours and no severe cramping.

However, if you are experiencing either of these symptoms, we will refer you directly to Urgent Care or the ER for further evaluation, as immediate medical attention is necessary. Your health and safety are our top priorities.