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Ectopic pregnancy

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In a small number of pregnancies, the fertilized egg attaches to an area outside of the uterus, rather than in the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy or extrauterine pregnancy.

Nearly all ectopic pregnancies develop in a fallopian tube. These are often called tubal pregnancies. If left untreated, a tubal ectopic pregnancy can cause fallopian tube damage and life-threatening blood loss. Therefore, unless the pregnancy is miscarrying on its own, medicine is used to stop the pregnancy from growing, or surgery is used to remove it.

Ectopic pregnancy can also occur in an ovary, the cervix, or the abdomen. This is rare.

Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated June 6, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: June 06, 2007
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