An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside of the womb (uterus). In normal pregnancies, the fertilized egg implants inside the uterus, where it is protected and can develop normally. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, most often in one of the fallopian tubes (tubes that carry the egg from the ovaries to the uterus). Without protection of the uterus, the fertilized egg in an ectopic pregancy cannot survive. Ectopic pregnancies present danger to the mother if they are not treated. As the fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus, it can hurt maternal structures like the fallopian tubes, causing internal bleeding and potentially compromising future pregnancies. While some ectopic pregnancies abort naturally, others require surgical intervention to protect the mother.