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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffPregnancy begins with a fertilized egg. Normally, the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. With an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants somewhere else.
An ectopic pregnancy nearly always occurs in one of the tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus (fallopian tubes). This type of ectopic pregnancy is known as a tubal pregnancy. Rarely, an ectopic pregnancy occurs in the abdomen, ovary or neck of the uterus (cervix).
An ectopic pregnancy can't proceed normally. The fertilized egg can't survive, and the growing tissue may destroy various maternal structures. Left untreated, life-threatening blood loss is possible. Early treatment of an ectopic pregnancy can help preserve the chance for future healthy pregnancies.
- Lobo RA. Ectopic pregnancy: Etiology, pathology, diagnosis, management, fertility prognosis. In: Katz VL, et al., eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171922449-3/0/1524/108.html?tocnode=53759261&fromURL=108.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50020-0_541. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Danakas GT, et al. Ectopic pregnancy. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171922449-4/918378390/2088/207.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00014-9--sc0020_4196. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Gurel S. Ectopic pregnancy. Ultrasound clinics. 2008;3:331.
- Tulandi T. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of ectopic pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Tulandi T. Incidence, risk factors, and pathology of ectopic pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Medical management of ectopic pregnancy. National Guideline Clearinghouse. http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=12625&nbr=6533&ss=6&xl=999. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Tulandi T. Methotrexate treatment of tubal and interstitial ectopic pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Tulandi T. Surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy and prognosis for subsequent fertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 6, 2009.
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