An ectopic pregnancy is caused when a fertilized egg gets implanted and develops outside the uterus. More often than not, such a pregnancy occurs in a fallopian tube through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus. In such a case, it is referred to as a tubal pregnancy. In some other cases, an ectopic pregnancy takes place in other areas such as the ovary, abdominal cavity or cervix which is connected to the vagina.

In case of a normal pregnancy, the process begins with a fertilized egg that adheres to the lining of the uterus. In case of an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg gets implanted and developed outside of the uterus cavity. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, there is no scope for normal maturity as the fertilized egg cannot survive. The developing tissue could endanger the individual by causing excessive bleeding or other complications if left unaddressed.