08/01/2026
Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness
August 1st is Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day. 🌸
Today, I want to share a piece of my heart.
In September 2023, I found out I was pregnant… but I didn’t know I was pregnant at the time. My body was quietly carrying my little blossom, and I had no idea that my pregnancy was ectopic.
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants somewhere outside of the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube, where it cannot safely grow.
Looking back, there was one symptom that stands out to me.
Twice, about two weeks apart, I experienced a strange, intense cramp on one side of my lower abdomen. The best way I can describe it is like a misplaced period cramp. It wasn’t where a normal period cramp should have been, and it eventually went away. Because it happened only twice and weeks apart, I never imagined it could be something so serious.
At the time, I had no idea I was pregnant. I thought everything was normal. I only had what felt like regular pregnancy symptoms after I found out—being emotional over food, using the bathroom constantly, and all those little things that come with pregnancy.
Every ectopic pregnancy is different. Some people have obvious symptoms, and some people have very few signs. If you are pregnant, think you could be pregnant, or experience unusual symptoms, please don’t ignore them. Trust your instincts and get checked.
By the time I went to the hospital, my ectopic pregnancy had ruptured. I had nearly 4 liters of blood inside my abdomen from internal bleeding. That is when I experienced shoulder tip pain, dizziness, and fainting. Because I was unable to use the restroom to provide a urine sample for a pregnancy test, the nurses performed an in-and-out catheter to collect one. That is how I found out I was pregnant.
My doctor told me that if I had arrived just a few seconds later, I likely would not be here today. As soon as they discovered I was pregnant and that my ectopic pregnancy had ruptured, I was rushed into emergency surgery. I barely remember signing the consent forms—my signature was nothing more than a line. During surgery, my right fallopian tube had to be removed in a procedure called a salpingectomy to save my life.
One thing I have learned through all of this is:
You know your body better than anyone else.
Advocate for yourself. Ask questions. If something feels wrong, keep pushing for answers. Sometimes ectopic pregnancies can be missed, and early diagnosis can save a life.
An ectopic pregnancy cannot be saved, but it can often be treated before it becomes life-threatening if it is found early.
Today, my little blossom would be a little over two years old.
Every August 1st, I remember the little life that changed mine forever. My little blossom’s story is forever woven into my own, and by sharing it, I hope another life might be saved.
I miss my baby every single day.
To anyone who has experienced an ectopic pregnancy or any form of pregnancy loss, please know this:
You are not alone.
My heart is with you today. 🌸🤍
