An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants in tissue outside of the uterus and the placenta and fetus begin to develop there. This may be caused by a physical blockage in the tube.
Most cases are a result of scarring caused by previous tubal infection.
Some ectopic pregnancies can be traced to congenital tubal abnormalities, endometriosis, tubal scarring and kinking caused by a ruptured appendix, scarring caused by previous tubal surgery and prior ectopic pregnancies. In a few cases, the cause is unknown. This is an emergency condition. Therefore, initial treatment may be to address shock by keeping the woman warm, elevating her legs, and administering oxygen. A blood transfusion is performed as soon as possible.