An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself outside the cavity of the uterus (womb). The majority of ectopic pregnancies are found in the Fallopian tubes. In rare cases, the egg attaches itself in one of the ovaries, the cervix (neck of the womb) or another organ within the pelvis. An ectopic pregnancy is not usually capable of surviving and in most instances an embryo is not developed. An ectopic pregnancy will spontaneously miscarry. The majority of women diagnosed will have to be operated on or treated with medication.

The most common symptoms and findings of ectopic pregnancy are:

• an overdue period (suggesting pregnancy)
• bleeding from the vagina
• positive pregnancy test
• lower abdominal pain
• fainting.

At first an ectopic pregnancy develops like a normal pregnancy and the same symptoms such as nausea and tender breasts will be present. However, some women do not have these symptoms and do not suspect that they might be pregnant.

The vaginal bleeding can vary from being slight or brown vaginal discharge to being like a normal period. If you are pregnant and have a long-lasting throbbing in one side of your lower abdomen or if you experience sudden pain you should contact your doctor. This is important because an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening if it ruptures and causes internal bleeding.