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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Ectopic Pregnancy: Diagnosis & Tests
      Category : Health Centers > Pregnancy and Childbirth

Ectopic Pregnancy

Alternate Names : Pregnancy in the Fallopian Tube, Tubal Pregnancy, Extrauterine Pregnancy

Ectopic Pregnancy | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Pictures and Images | Attribution


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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    Ectopic Pregnancy: Symptoms & Signs

     

    Ectopic Pregnancy: Prevention & Expectations

    Author: Eva Martin, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 07/27/01









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006