An ectopic pregnancy is not viable and poses a life-threatening risk to the mother. If you have been exposed to DES, your provider will want to see you as soon as you find out that you are pregnant to determine whether your pregnancy is ectopic or not. A blood test is also used to aid in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. However, since women who are carrying an ectopic pregnancy may have normal levels of hCG, this blood test, alone, can not accurately determine the presence of an ectopic pregnancy. If you develop any of the following symptoms be sure to contact your health care provider immediately.
Babies born early have an increased risk of developing medical complications.
Central to the success of preventing early labor is your provider's commitment to educating and maintaining frequent contact with you. It is critical that all pregnant women understand what they can do to keep themselves healthy and how to determine, as early as possible, if they are experiencing early labor. Your provider will recommend frequent visits and encourage and maintain communication by phone. All women who have been exposed to DES should be aware of the signs and symptoms of early labor. In addition, your provider can teach you how to feel your uterus to determine if contractions are present.