The benefits of ultra sound in diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy for Birmingham women

Most people associate ultra sound with pregnancy. Perhaps you’ve seen a picture of an ultra sound brought back from a friend or coworker after a regular maternity visit. What you may not know is ultra sound technology is a vital and potentially life-saving tool in diagnosing ectopic pregnancies.

Ectopic pregnancies occur when a fertilized egg is somewhere outside of the uterus. They most commonly occur in the fallopian tubes that carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This is called a tubal pregnancy. Some ectopic pregnancies can occur in the ovary, abdominal cavity or even in the cervix.

The fertilized egg in an ectopic pregnancy cannot survive and if left untreated, they can cause life threatening blood loss. Early diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancies is essential to preserve the ability for future normal pregnancies.

Signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can often be the same as any pregnancy: nausea, missed period, and tenderness in the breast. Ectopic pregnancies will still result in a positive pregnancy test. Some of the first warning signs of ectopic pregnancy are pain and vaginal bleeding. If the fallopian tube housing an ectopic pregnancy ruptures, heavy bleeding can occur in the abdominal cavity.

Patients who experience severe abdominal or pelvic pain followed by vaginal bleeding, fainting or extreme lightheadedness should seek emergency medical attention.

Patients seeking treatment for symptoms of a possible ectopic pregnancy should call our office to schedule an appointment. After taking a medical history and asking a series of question, a pelvic exam will be performed to check for tenderness and potential masses. Diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed through blood tests and ultra-sound imaging.

Ultra sound imaging at this stage in the pregnancy is typically performed with a vaginal wand and it can determine where the fertilized egg is. This will allow Drs. Robertsto determine the best course of treatment. Because the fertilized egg cannot develop properly, the ectopic tissue will need to be removed.

If detected early enough, this can usually be accomplished through the injection of methotrexate to stop cell growth and help the body remove the existing cells. Other cases may require laparoscopic surgery. If the fallopian tube has ruptured, it will require removal. If you are in the Birmingham area and are experiencing symptoms of a potential ectopic pregnancy, call our office today to schedule an appointment.