My boyfriend and I have been struggling for a long time to have a baby. I recently fell pregnant and we were very excited.

My boyfriend and I have been struggling for a long time to have a baby. I recently fell pregnant and we were very excited.

Unfortunately I started bleeding and had to go to hospital, where it was discovered that I had suffered an ectopic pregnancy.

We were devastated and I am very disappointed. What does this mean and will I be able to have another baby?

Eager, Pretoria

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg is attached outside the womb. This always results in a miscarriage.

Some of the symptoms include bleeding, as in your case, lower-stomach pain and fainting.

In the beginning the pregnancy test shows positive and there could be normal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and breast tenderness.

The problem might be picked up during a routine pelvic examination or by an ultrasound scan.

Some of the risk factors are falling pregnant while using the coil contraception, previous surgery or inflammation of the fallopian tubes or falling pregnant by in-vitro fertilisation (test tube method).

Before you and your boyfriend decide to try to have a baby again, it is important to consult your doctor for advice.

You should also work closely with him or her to ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy.