Let’s get real: the path to parenthood is never a straight line… and sometimes, the scariest risks are the ones we never see coming.

I’ll never forget the message I got from a friend last spring—a friend who, like so many of us, was navigating the world of home insemination kits, temperature charts, and TikTok fertility gurus. She’d just gotten a positive pregnancy test. Excitement turned to anxiety, though, when she started experiencing sharp pains and confusion over next steps. It turned out to be an ectopic pregnancy—a phrase we hear, but rarely talk about, especially in the world of at-home conception.

Why am I telling you this now? Because just this week, I came across a jaw-dropping article on NBC News: Crisis pregnancy centers told to avoid ultrasounds for suspected ectopic pregnancies. After a major lawsuit over a misdiagnosis at a crisis pregnancy center, these clinics are now backing away from offering ultrasounds for people with possible ectopic pregnancies. That leaves even more families and individuals—especially those doing DIY fertility—feeling stuck and confused about early pregnancy safety.

The “Invisible” Risk No One Warns You About

So, what exactly IS an ectopic pregnancy? In simple terms: it’s when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. It can’t result in a viable pregnancy and, if left untreated, can become life-threatening.

Here’s the kicker: Ectopic pregnancies often start off looking exactly like a normal pregnancy. Think positive tests, light spotting, maybe mild cramps. That’s why so many people—especially those using at-home insemination kits and navigating the process solo—don’t realize anything’s wrong until it’s an emergency.

And with crisis pregnancy centers stepping back from early ultrasounds, the onus falls back on us: How can we protect ourselves and our fertility journeys when the health system keeps shifting the goalposts?

Are At-Home Insemination Kits Safe?

Home insemination kits (like the ones from MakeAMom) are truly a game-changer for millions—making conception more private, accessible, and affordable. If you’re TTC (trying to conceive), you probably already know how empowering it feels to take charge in your own space.

But here’s what kits CAN’T do: screen for rare complications that may arise after conception. No matter which kit you use—CryoBaby for frozen sperm, Impregnator for low motility, or BabyMaker for those with sensitivities—these tools can’t replace early medical evaluation after a positive test. It’s not about the kit; it’s about knowing your body and when to seek extra support.

Ectopic Pregnancy: What to Watch For (Even If No One Else Is Watching)

Let’s break it down into real talk for home conception warriors:

• Don’t ignore unusual pain: Sharp, persistent abdominal pain (especially on one side) or shoulder pain? Call your doc, pronto.
• Bleeding isn’t always “spotting”: Any bleeding that doesn’t feel right—especially with pain—needs a check-in.
• Feeling faint or dizzy? If you’re feeling lightheaded, sweating, or like you might pass out, seek care immediately.

Here’s the open loop: if you’re not at a clinic (and maybe don’t want to be!), how can you be proactive without panicking?

Your Game Plan for Safe, Empowered Home Conception

1. Track Everything: More than ever, keep a detailed log of symptoms, ovulation, insemination dates, and positive test results.
2. Connect with a Provider Early: Even if you’re comfortable with at-home insemination, set up a relationship with a reproductive health provider you trust—bonus points if they “get” the DIY journey.
3. Know Your Kit—And Its Limits: Whether you’re using a reusable MakeAMom system (which, by the way, is designed with privacy and sensitivity in mind), or another at-home method, remember: empowerment comes with information, not with isolation.
4. Advocate for Yourself: If something feels off, push for the care you deserve. It might mean insisting on an early ultrasound or getting a second opinion.

Where Do We Go From Here?

With crisis pregnancy centers backing off on early ultrasounds, it’s up to us to stay informed, vigilant, and connected. This doesn’t mean you need to abandon the privacy and autonomy of at-home conception. It DOES mean being extra savvy about the warning signs and finding healthcare allies who respect your choices.

If you’re considering at-home insemination or are deep in your TTC journey, resources like MakeAMom’s Fertility Learning Hub offer not just tools, but real-world stories and advice from people who’ve been exactly where you are. It’s not about fear—it’s about empowered readiness.

Remember: You are your own best advocate. Trust your gut, keep learning, and never apologize for taking your fertility seriously.

Have you had an experience with early pregnancy scares during at-home conception? What helped you get the answers you needed? Drop your stories and questions in the comments—because our community is our best resource.

Stay safe, stay strong, and keep supporting one another on this wild ride to parenthood!