Every month we will identify the most commonly asked questions about ectopic pregnancy and answer them. If you have any further questions which you cannot find answers to on the website, please can you contact us.
Can ectopic pregnancy give false negative?
The diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy is made on history, examination and special investigations (transvaginal ultrasound scans and quantitative b HCG measurements). Depending on the skills of the ultrasonographer and laboratory, both false negatives and false positives can very rarely occur and it’s important to look at the full clinical picture.
How long can you go with an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy usually presents with symptoms at about 6 weeks from the last menstrual period and if it continues to grow the symptoms of lower abdominal, pelvic and shoulder tip pains get worse
See symptoms of ectopic pregnancy on the ectopic pregnancy foundation website
Does an ectopic pregnancy hurt all the time?
An ectopic pregnancy typically manifests with intermittent unilateral discomfort or pain and not continuous cramping pains, which are usually present during a miscarriage.
See symptoms of ectopic pregnancy on the Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation website.
How early can ultrasound detect ectopic pregnancy?
A transvaginal scan is used to investigate an ectopic pregnancy, typically around 6 weeks after the last menstrual period when symptoms are present. If an intrauterine pregnancy is detected, it almost certainly rules out an ectopic pregnancy. Signs of an ectopic pregnancy on the scan include thickening of the endometrium, an adnexal mass, or fluid behind the uterus (in the pouch of Douglas). It is very rare to detect fetal cardiac activity outside the uterus.
A transvaginal ultrasound scan should be used in conjunction with symptoms examination and bHCG values in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.
Please see the Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation website on detection of ectopic pregnancy
What are the first signs of ectopic pregnancy?
The first signs of an ectopic pregnancy include a brown vaginal discharge and unilateral pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort or pain.
See symptoms of ectopic pregnancy on the Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation website
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