Ectopic Pregnancy

During ovulation, an egg (ovum) is released from one of the ovaries. Conception occurs when the egg is met by a sperm in the Fallopian tube. Normally, the fertilised egg travels down the Fallopian tube and into the uterus, where it buries into the plump uterine lining. Ectopic pregnancy refers to a pregnancy that develops outside of the uterus, most commonly in one of the Fallopian tubes that leads from each ovary. In almost all cases, the embryo dies. The developing placenta can’t access a rich blood supply and the Fallopian tube is not large enough to accommodate the growing embryo. Unfortunately, the embryo can never survive, and in fact, ectopic pregnancies pose a threat to the mother’s life. In one out of five cases, the tube ruptures causing internal bleeding and shock. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery and blood transfusion. Over 95 per cent of all ectopic pregnancies are in the fallopian tubes. Very rarely, they can occur in other sites, such as the cervix (neck of the uterus), the abdominal cavity and the ovary itself. Around two per cent of all pregnancies are ectopic.