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What is an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy can be quite serious, even life-threatening, for the mother. But women who experience it can go on to subsequently have a healthy pregnancy and birth, says Dr Howard Lee

The word 'ectopic' means out of place, and so, an ectopic pregnancy is one where the fertilised egg attaches itself somewhere outside the cavity of the uterus (the womb).

It can develop in the ovary, the abdominal lining, or even the cervix (neck of the womb), but the most common place - 96 per cent of all ectopics - is somewhere in the fallopian tube.

When you realise that the female egg leaves the ovary and finds its way into the open end of the fallopian tube, in order to start its journey towards the cavity of the uterus, and that fertilisation occurs somewhere along this route, it is surprising that - in the UK - only 1 in 150 pregnancies will result in an ectopic development.

Ectopic pregnancies are becoming more common due to the increase in sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea which, if untreated, can block or twist the fallopian tubes.

An ectopic pregnancy rarely survives

An ectopic pregnancy can occur anytime between the 4th and 10th week of pregnancy. In many cases the embryo stops developing and a spontaneous miscarriage occurs before about eight weeks.

If this doesn't happen and the pregnancy continues to develop, the ectopic pregnancy causes pain and bleeding. If it is not treated quickly its increasing size can rupture the narrow fallopian tube and cause abdominal bleeding.

The consequences, if this happens, are life-threatening. Rarely, a baby may survive after implanting in the abdominal cavity but early recognition of the problem, frequent screening and surgical delivery are vital to ensure survival of both mother and baby.

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