Missed Period After Tubal Ligation: Possible Pregnancy & Risks

Question
DOB 09/03/77, 4 children, Last Menstrual 08/16/04.

I just realized that I am about 2 weeks late for my MS.  I had a tubaligation aprox. 10 months ago, after my last pregnancy.  Do you suggest I take a home pregnancy test?  If positive, could there be risks involved?  Any advice would be very helpful.
Thank you.

Answer
Any time that you miss your period, you have to rule out pregnancy first, especially if you are two weeks late. How was the tubal ligation pereformed? Was it a laparoscopic tubal sterilization with electrocautery of the tubes, or was it a Pomeroy tubal ligation where a loop was made in the tube and it was tied and cut? (This is done during a cesarean section). It is always possible that the tubal ligation was not done correctly or the wrong structures were either cauterized or tied. If the tubal ligation was a success, there is no way that you could become pregnant. HOwever, if the pregnancy test is positive, you MUST get a sonogram or a hysterosalpingogram to see if any of the tubes are patent or if you have any evidence of a ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. First take a pregnahcy test. Then, if it is positive, call your doctor.(the one that performed the TL)