P01: Fetus and newborn affected by maternal complications of pregnancy

P01.4: Fetus and newborn affected by ectopic pregnancy

Pregnancy can occur when at least one mature egg cell is fertilized. A woman has two ovaries. Each ovary normally takes turns maturing one egg every month. These eggs may be fertilized by sperm. The eggs pass to the uterus through the fallopian tube. For different reasons, the egg cell may settle outside of the normal area in the womb. For example, the egg cell can settle in a different area of the womb. The egg cell may also settle in the mother's abdomen or pelvis.

Usually, the egg cell can only continue to develop into a viable child in the normal place within the womb. In rare cases, a child can possibly develop and survive outside this area. Then the child's health may be harmed. The child may be smaller than usual or it may be born prematurely.