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Showing posts from September, 2024

Ectopic pregnancy Ultrasound scan: Is your pregnancy safe?

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  Introduction Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube. Since the egg cannot develop properly in this location, early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as internal bleeding and damage to reproductive organs. Ultrasound scans play a critical role in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy, allowing healthcare providers to assess the location of the pregnancy and guide appropriate treatment. Early detection of this condition is vital to ensure safe and timely treatment and management. Ultrasound scans are a fundamental part of monitoring the health of a pregnancy and can be fundamental in identifying an ectopic pregnancy. What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy? In a healthy pregnancy, a fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube and implants in the lining of the uterus, where it can grow and develop. However, in about 1-2% of pregnancies, the egg be

Early pregnancy blood test - Too early for a scan? Have a blood test

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  Introduction Blood tests play a crucial role in pregnancy, whether it's in preparation with a fertility blood test or in monitoring the health of the pregnancy throughout. Blood tests are also valuable in confirming the pregnancy following symptoms of a positive pregnancy test when the pregnancy is too early to be confirmed by an ultrasound scan . Early pregnancy blood tests play a crucial role in determining not only whether you're pregnant but also how well the pregnancy is progressing. While many women confirm their pregnancy with a home urine test, blood tests provide more precise information and can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests. It can be disheartening when a pregnancy can’t be visualised on the ultrasound scan due to being too early, but a blood test can provide valuable information and peace of mind that the pregnancy is progressing healthily. What Are Early Pregnancy Blood Tests? Blood tests in early pregnancy measure levels of specific hormones pr