Ectopic Pregnancy

Most people don’t know that their pregnancy is ectopic until they visit their pregnancy care provider for a prenatal appointment, bloodwork or ultrasound. Your provider may suspect an ectopic pregnancy based on what happens at this appointment.

To diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, your provider will perform several tests. This may include a pelvic exam and confirmation of pregnancy. These tests include:

• A urine test: This test involves either peeing on a test strip or into a cup in your provider’s office and then having a test strip dipped into the urine sample.
• A blood test: You provider may test your blood to see how much of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) you have in your body. Your body only makes HCG during pregnancy. A low amount may indicate an ectopic pregnancy because HCG levels increase dramatically when a fertilized egg implants in your uterus.
• An ultrasound exam: An ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of your body’s internal structures. Your provider will use this test to see where the fertilized egg has implanted.

If your provider suspects the ectopic pregnancy has ruptured, they can also perform culdocentesis, but this is rarely used.

Once your provider has confirmed an ectopic pregnancy and determined where the fertilized egg has implanted, they’ll discuss a treatment plan with you. An ectopic pregnancy is an emergency and treatment is very important.

How soon would you know if you have an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy is typically discovered early in pregnancy. Healthcare providers usually diagnose ectopic pregnancies in the first trimester (up to 12 weeks of pregnancy). However, most people discover they have an ectopic pregnancy around eight weeks of pregnancy.