Ectopic pregnancy
Current as of: February 11, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology
Ectopic pregnancyIn 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 cause heavy bleeding that could be deadly. So unless the pregnancy is miscarrying on its own, medicine or surgery is used to stop the pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can also occur in an ovary, the cervix, or the abdomen. This is rare. Current as of: February 11, 2020 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology |
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