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\n <\/p>\n Unpredictable and not fully understood, ectopic pregnancies can be very dangerous to the bearer\u2019s health. Learn how an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed.<\/p>\n An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy which implants anywhere outside the uterus. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes, though in rare cases they can implant elsewhere.<\/p>\n Ectopic pregnancies are not viable, nor can they be moved to the uterus. They can cause intense pain and severe damage if left untreated. If there is a chance of a potential ectopic pregnancy, an ultrasound scan will be ordered.<\/p>\n Most patients discover whether they have an ectopic pregnancy between the fifth and tenth week of pregnancy. The first signs begin to appear two weeks after a missed period.<\/p>\n In the earliest weeks, an ectopic pregnancy might present with the same symptoms as a regular pregnancy, including sore breasts, fatigue and nausea. Patients may notice a change somewhere between weeks 5-10.<\/p>\n Not all ectopic pregnancies share the same symptoms, but common experiences include:<\/p>\n Doctors diagnose ectopic pregnancies with a blood test, a pelvic exam and an ultrasound scan. Often all of these methods are used together.<\/p>\n Ultrasounds can typically identify an ectopic pregnancy during the first trimester (e.g. before 13 weeks), though it can happen earlier. The gestational sac becomes visible at 4.5-5 weeks and large embryos can be seen as early as 6 weeks.<\/p>\n Ultrasounds can identify more than 70% of ectopic pregnancies but depending on the size and placement of the embryo, it is possible to miss an ectopic pregnancy on an ultrasound. If the ultrasound cannot confirm an ectopic pregnancy, laparoscopic surgery might be required. Laparoscopic procedures are day surgeries in which tiny incisions are made to insert a small tube (laparoscope) so doctors can directly view the affected areas.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The sonographer will be scanning for the signs and structures or early pregnancy, such as:<\/p>\n Ectopic pregnancies occur most frequently in the fallopian tubes. 95% of all ectopic pregnancies are either ampullary (in the middle of the fallopian tube), fimbrial (at the far end) or isthmic (at the uterine end). 3% are interstitial, e.g. located where the tube passes into the uterus.<\/p>\n Much more rarely, an ectopic pregnancy might be located elsewhere, such as:<\/p>\n A heterotopic pregnancy consists of two simultaneous pregnancies implanted at different sites. One is usually viably implanted in the uterus while the other is ectopic.<\/p>\n Ectopic Pregnancy in the interstitial portion of the Fallopian tube (Image credit: Ultrasound Care<\/a>)<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Understanding what will happen during an ectopic pregnancy ultrasound<\/a> can help assuage any anxiety. The following steps can help patients be ready:<\/p>\n Pregnancy ultrasounds<\/a> are safe, low risk, pain-free imaging techniques. To capture internal images, the technician moves a sound wave-producing transducer through conductive gel. The sound waves bounce off internal structures and tissues and the \u2018echoes\u2019 are compiled into real-time images.<\/p>\n A transvaginal ultrasound can be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. An ultrasound for an ectopic pregnancy typically takes 20-45 minutes. It does not require extensive preparation and after the scan you can go about your day as normal.<\/p>\n The sonographer is not legally allowed to answer questions about ultrasound results but is free to discuss the procedure itself. You can ask:<\/p>\n A woman looking at her pregnancy ultrasound on PocketHealth<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n The technician sends the ultrasound images to a radiologist for examination and analysis. The radiologist forwards a report and the images to your doctor, who discusses them with you at a follow-up appointment. The process usually takes several days.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\tGet early access to your ultrasound reports\t\t<\/h2> \n\t<\/div>\n\t
Ectopic pregnancy overview<\/h2>\n
What is an ectopic pregnancy?<\/h3>\n
Signs and symptoms associated with an ectopic pregnancy<\/h3>\n
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How is ectopic pregnancy detected?<\/h2>\n
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How early can an ectopic pregnancy be detected by ultrasound?<\/h3>\n
Can an ectopic pregnancy be missed on an ultrasound?<\/h3>\n
What do ectopic pregnancies look like on ultrasound scans?<\/h2>\n
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Preparing for your ultrasound<\/h2>\n
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What to expect during your scan<\/h2>\n
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When will I get my results?<\/h2>\n
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