Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms and Signs
What is an ectopic pregnancy? Ectopic pregnancy is a common, potentially life–threatening, condition affecting one in 100 pregnancies. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilised egg implants outside the cavity of the womb, usually in the fallopian tube. As the pregnancy grows, the fallopian tube stretches causing pain. If not treated quickly enough, the tube can burst, causing internal bleeding, which can lead to collapse and even death. What causes an ectopic pregnancy? Normally a fertilised egg travels from the ovary down the fallopian tube and implants into the wall of the womb six to seven days after fertilisation. In an ectopic pregnancy the egg does not travel to the uterus or womb but instead implants somewhere outside the womb, usually in one of the narrow fallopian tubes where it cannot develop properly. In most cases the exact cause of an ectopic pregnancy is unknown but it is often a result of some sort of damage to the fallopian tube. The tube may have