Blood tests
If you start to have symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy a few weeks into your pregnancy, you may be offered a blood test to measure blood levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by placental tissue.
The hCG levels are usually lower than normal if your pregnancy is ectopic or you are going to have a miscarriage.
Vaginal ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound scan is usually used to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.
An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of your reproductive system.
A small probe is inserted into your vagina to take a close-up image of your womb and surrounding areas. It will usually show the location of your pregnancy.
Laparoscopy
If a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy has still not been confirmed, a laparoscopy may be performed.
This is a direct examination of the womb and fallopian tubes using a viewing tube (a laparoscope), which is passed through a small opening in the wall of your abdomen.
The procedure is done under general anaesthetic (you are put to sleep).
