Ectopic PregnancyIllustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications,
Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com 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 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. ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology Current as ofMarch 16, 2017 Current as of:
March 16, 2017 Author:
Healthwise Staff Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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