Ectopic pregnancy.

Many difficulties can arise with a pregnancy [4] even after the sperm [5] successfully fertilizes the oocyte [6]. A major problem occurs if the fertilized egg [7] tries to implant before reaching its normal implantation [8] site, the uterus [9]. An ectopic pregnancy [10] occurs when a fertilized egg [7] implants anywhere other than in the uterus [9], most commonly in the fallopian tubes [11]. Such pregnancies cannot continue to term, so a physician must remove the developing embryo as early as possible. Although—at least where adequate health care is available—longer a significant risk to the mother’s life due to improved detection methods as well as treatment procedures following detection, ectopic pregnancies can still pose a major risk to the mother’s health if not detected early. If the fallopian tube ruptures as a result of an ectopic pregnancy [10], the physician can either try to repair the fallopian tube or remove the damaged portion.