Ectopic Pregnancy (cont.)
What are symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
The classic symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include:
The woman may not be aware that she is pregnant. These
characteristic symptoms occur in ruptured ectopic pregnancies (those accompanied
by severe internal bleeding) and non-ruptured ectopic pregnancies. However,
while these symptoms are typical for an ectopic pregnancy, they do not mean an
ectopic pregnancy is necessarily present and could represent other conditions.
In fact, these symptoms also occur with a threatened abortion (miscarriage) in non-ectopic pregnancies.
The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy typically occur six to eight weeks after
the last normal menstrual period, but they may occur later if the ectopic
pregnancy is not located in the Fallopian tube. Other symptoms of pregnancy
(nausea,
breast discomfort, etc.) may also be present in ectopic pregnancy.
Weakness, dizziness, and a sense
of passing out upon standing can represent
serious internal bleeding from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and require
immediate medical attention.
How is ectopic pregnancy diagnosed?
The first step in the diagnosis is an interview and
examination by the doctor. Occasionally, the doctor may feel a tender mass
during the pelvic examination. If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, the
combination of blood hormone tests and pelvic ultrasound can usually help to establish the
diagnosis.. Transvaginal ultrasound
is the most useful test to visualize an ectopic pregnancy. In this test, an
ultrasound probe is inserted into the
vagina, and pelvic images are visible on a monitor. Transvaginal ultrasound can
reveal the gestational sac in either a normal (intrauterine) pregnancy or an
ectopic pregnancy, but often the findings are not conclusive. Rather than a
gestational sac containing a visible embryo, the examination may simply
reveal a mass in the area of the Fallopian tubes or elsewhere that is suggestive
of, but not conclusive for, an ectopic pregnancy. The ultrasound can also
demonstrate the absence of pregnancy within the uterus.
The beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta HCG) blood levels are
also used in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Beta HCG levels normally rise
during pregnancy. An abnormal pattern in the rise of this hormone can be a clue
to the presence of an ectopic pregnancy. In rare cases, laparoscopy may be
needed to ultimately confirm a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. During
laparoscopy, viewing instruments are inserted through small incisions in the
abdominal wall to visualize the structures in the abdomen and pelvis, thereby
revealing the site of the ectopic pregnancy.
Next: What is the health risk of an ectopic pregnancy? »
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