Ectopic Pregnancy
Alternate Names : Pregnancy in the Fallopian Tube, Tubal Pregnancy, Extrauterine Pregnancy
How is the condition diagnosed?
Tests that may be done to help diagnose an ectopic pregnancy include:
a serum pregnancy test
to check the level of the pregnancy hormone HCG
pregnancy
ultrasound with a vaginal wand. This lets the healthcare provider
find an embryo and fetal heartbeat by four to five weeks, even in the fallopian tube.
Any blood in the pelvis can also been seen.
putting a needle into the abdomen through the top of the vagina to tap
any leaking blood from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy
laparoscopy,
which involves placing a tiny, lighted scope into the abdomen through a small
incision below the belly button. Done under general anesthesia, this procedure allows the surgeon to
check the pelvic organs for an ectopic pregnancy.
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