Illustration 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.
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By
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Healthwise Staff |
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Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
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Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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Last Revised
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May 6, 2011 |