Patient's question:
Last year, after getting pregnant, I found out that I actually had an ectopic pregnancy and had surgery. Now I'm pregnant again, and I'm afraid it might be an ectopic pregnancy again. I'm feeling particularly worried and upset. What is the fastest way to check for an ectopic pregnancy?Doctor's answer:
Generally, the early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are not obvious. Most women have a brief history of delayed menstruation before the onset, usually around 6-8 weeks. If there is irregular spotting, acute abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, ectopic pregnancy should be considered. The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is typically determined through a careful ultrasound examination, blood tests to measure HCG, which can be checked as early as 14 days after intercourse. Posterior vaginal fornix aspiration examination, as well as laparoscopic examination, can confirm the diagnosis.