What is ectopic pregnancy?

➢ Ectopic pregnancy is defined as implantation of a fertilized ovum in any site other than the uterus. ➢ May occur in as many as 1% of pregnancies. ➢ Fallopian tube: more than 90% of these cases, (tubal pregnancy); ➢ Ovaries: probably result from rare instances in which the ovum is fertilized just as the follicle ruptures. ➢ Abdominal cavity: occurs when the fertilized egg drops out of the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube and implants on the peritoneum. ➢ Any factor that retards passage of the ovum through the fallopian tube predisposes to ectopic pregnancy. ➢ In about half of the cases, slowed passage results from chronic inflammation and scarring in the oviduct; intrauterine tumors and endometriosis may also hamper passage of the ovum. ➢ In the other 50% of tubal pregnancies, no anatomic cause is evident.