How to Tell if You Have a Tubular Pregnancy
When an egg is fertilized, the egg normally attaches to the lining of the uterus. If the fertilized egg remains inside the fallopian tube, it is known as a tubular, or ectopic, pregnancy. Symptoms of a tubular pregnancy may seem normal at first, which often delays diagnosis and treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, tubular pregnancies can result in damage to the fallopian tubes, infertility and potentially fatal blood loss if not treated.
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Instructions
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Take a pregnancy test as soon as you believe you are pregnant. If your period is late, and your home pregnancy test was negative, wait 1 week and retest. In some cases, tubular pregnancies may not be detected by home pregnancy tests. Therefore, if you believe you might be pregnant, but continue to test negative, consult a doctor.
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Watch for signs and symptoms of a tubular pregnancy, such as vaginal bleeding, nausea, one-sided abdominal cramping and lower abdominal pain.
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Visit your doctor for evaluation and diagnosis. You will likely receive a full physical exam and a vaginal exam to check for signs of pregnancy. A urine test may also be performed at your doctor's office. Sometimes, your doctor may draw blood for testing.
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Discuss the levels of your blood pregnancy results with your obstetrician. Abnormal blood test results may indicate a tubular pregnancy, according to the Nemours Foundation.
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Follow up with ultrasound or other tests ordered by your doctor. Ultrasound is usually very accurate in diagnosing tubular pregnancies, but other tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
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Seek a second opinion if your doctor refuses to perform an ultrasound or send you for other diagnostic tests and you believe there is a problem with your pregnancy. Tubular pregnancies can rupture, leading to severe and possibly fatal complications. Listen to your body.
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Call an ambulance if you experience symptoms of a ruptured fallopian tube. Symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness and a sharp pain in the pelvis, shoulder, or neck. These symptoms require emergency medical attention.
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