Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy
For diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy the following may occur:
• Pregnancy Test - a positive urinary pregnancy test will confirm whether or not you are pregnant. In addition a blood sample may also be requested to double check the result.
• Vaginal Ultrasound - this can show a developing pregnancy in the womb from about 4 - 5 weeks gestation. Sometimes it can also show an ectopic pregnancy developing in a fallopian tube. If the pregnancy is developing in the right place then an ectopic pregnancy can usually, but not always be excluded. In very rare cases a pregnancy may also be developing in another part of the abdomen.
• Admission to Hospital - sometimes although a woman may have had a positive pregnancy test, the ultrasound is unable to detect the pregnancy. If she is exhibiting signs of an ectopic pregnancy then she may be admitted to hospital for observation and blood tests. hCG (the pregnancy hormone) levels may also be monitored. In a normal pregnancy hCG levels will double every 48-72 hours, but during an ectopic pregnancy this may happen more slowly or level off. By monitoring such changes doctors can determine whether a laparoscopy (an examination of the abdominal cavity or minor abdominal surgery using a laparoscope*) is necessary.
*laparoscope - a surgical device, inserted into the abdomen, using optical fibers in a small tube which allows surgery to be performed without large incisions.
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Further Information
