In a normal pregnancy, an egg is fertilised by sperm in one of the fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the womb. The fertilised egg then moves into the womb and implants itself in the womb lining (endometrium), where it grows and develops. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants itself outside the womb.
An ectopic pregnancy most commonly occurs in a fallopian tube (this is known as a tubal pregnancy). Ectopic pregnancies can also occur in an ovary, in the abdominal space or in the cervix (neck of the womb).
How common is it?
One pregnancy in 80 is ectopic in the UK. Records show there are 11,000 ectopic pregnancies in the UK each year, but this is thought to be an underestimate.
Outlook
The baby cannot be saved in a tubal ectopic pregnancy. However, with early diagnosis, the pregnancy can be safely ended using medication or surgery, without complications occurring (see Ectopic pregnancy - treatment for more information). Early diagnosis and treatment may improve the chances of having a normal pregnancy at a later date.
If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can be fatal. The fallopian tube can split (rupture), causing internal abdominal bleeding and life-threatening blood loss. Approximately five women a year die from an ectopic pregnancy in the UK.
