ectopic pregnancy

noun

: development of a fertilized egg elsewhere than in the uterus (as in a fallopian tube or the peritoneal cavity)

Examples of ectopic pregnancy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even under restrictive laws, health-care providers are legally permitted — and ethically obligated — to provide care for life-threatening pregnancy complications, including miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies. —Kristen Day, National Review, 25 Oct. 2024

In response to the health department alert, two doctors in the state said there is no confusion among physicians about how to treat ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages. —Aria Bendix, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024

Pregnancy risk: Although IUDs are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, people who do become pregnant with an IUD may be at a higher risk for an ectopic pregnancy. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Misoprostol is also used to prevent ulcers and treat miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, so if approval for this drug is reversed as well, more than abortions would be impacted. —Katie Camero, SELF, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ectopic pregnancy

noun

: gestation elsewhere than in the uterus (as in a fallopian tube or in the peritoneal cavity)

called also ectopic gestation, extrauterine gestation, extrauterine pregnancy