Page 7 - OB Risks - Delivering the Goods (Part Two)

SVMIC Obstetrics Risks: Delivering the Goods

is no final diagnosis, and the pregnancy is assumed to have

spontaneously resolved. However, until a definitive diagnosis
can be made, the patient should be followed closely. There can
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be many causes for PUL, and it is important to note that PUL is
not necessarily an ectopic pregnancy. Many women with a PUL

will present with vaginal bleeding and/or abdominal pain, and
a PUL may be indicated by passing of pregnancy tissue and/

or other symptoms related to pregnancy loss. In determining
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a PUL and resulting treatment, sonographic evaluation and

interval serum hCG draws are crucial before undertaking any
medical or surgical treatment.
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Ectopic Pregnancy

Transvaginal sonography is normally the method of choice

for the detection/evaluation of early pregnancy. An initial
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transvaginal ultrasound usually results in four possibilities:

• No sign of pregnancy anywhere

• A likely ectopic pregnancy

• An Intrauterine pregnancy but too early to make the

diagnosis

• A likely miscarriage caused by conception products in the

endometrial cavity
9

5 Id.
6 Id.
7 Id.
8 https://obgyn.mhmedical.com/content.
aspx?bookid=1414§ionid=76389938#:~:text=Transvaginal%20sonography%20(TVS)%20
has%20become,the%20presence%20of%20heart%20motion
9 https://trmbaby.com/providers/provider-resources/pregnancy-of-unknown-location/

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