An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo of a child does not completely reach the uterus. Instead, it embeds itself into the lining of the fallopian tube. Eventually in most cases, the embryo can cause bleeding to the mother, which can often expel the embryo, resulting in a miscarriage. In most pregnancies, the embryo is implanted in the uterus, but in an ectopic pregnancy, this is not the case. The cause of this happening is still not known, but there has been some speculation as to what may contribute to it such as smoking or other particular lifestyle choices, but none of them have been scientifically proven. Some other risk factors include age, the use of certain fertility drugs, perious sexually transmitted diseases (which can damage the reproductive organs), and any prior tubal damage. One of the most difficult things about an ectopic pregnancy is that it is hard to diagnose early on, since at the beginning stages there are little to no symptoms. However, as the embryo grows, the symptoms do begin to be more prevalent.

Some of the most prominent symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include vaginal bleeding, exceptional back pain, and severe cramping (more than normal). Some women can experience internal bleeding so it is essential that the problem is diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent any harm to the mother. Unfortunately, in cases like this, the embryo cannot and does not survive. At this point it is essential for the doctor to worry about the well being of the mother. If an ectopic pregnancy is treated early, the mother has a better chance of conceiving and having a child successfully the next time around. Since there is no real known cause, most women can usually try to get pregnant again with a fairly high success rate.