Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms include vaginal bleeding, pain in the abdomen and other signs, such as tender breasts or nausea. However, it may be difficult for your doctor to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy because many of these symptoms can be present in a normal pregnancy. The level of HCG increases very rapidly in a normal pregnancy and doubles in value about every 2 days. If HCG levels do not increase as they should, an abnormal pregnancy is suspected. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, the woman may have a high HCG level with no sign of a pregnancy inside the uterus.
Ultrasound testing is also helpful in diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy.
A tubal pregnancy may be seen in the tube during ultrasound examination. Doctors may see blood in the abdomen from rupture and bleeding or a mass in the area of the Fallopian tube or the ovary. Our ability to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy has improved with use of laparoscopy. Very small incisions are made in the area of the bellybutton and in the lower-abdominal area. They can see an ectopic pregnancy if one is present.