INFOGRAPHICPREGNANCY

What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

By Josey Murray
Reviewed by Alyssa Quimby, M.D.
October 03, 2024
ectopic pregnancy noun A type of abnormal pregnancy when a fertilized egg develops outside the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube, an ovary, or the cervix.

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg develops outside the uterus. When an egg becomes fertilized by sperm, it usually implants (attaches) to the wall of the uterus. When it implants somewhere else, such as in a fallopian tube, an ovary, or the cervix, it’s considered an ectopic pregnancy. This type of pregnancy affects about 2% of all pregnancies.

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include pelvic pain, shoulder pain, and/or unusual vaginal bleeding. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience bleeding and pain in early pregnancy as this may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

A fertilized egg can’t survive unless it’s in the uterus, and ectopic pregnancies are dangerous to the pregnant person. For your safety, ectopic pregnancies require pregnancy-ending treatment like medication or surgery.

Learning your pregnancy is ectopic can be disappointing and traumatic. It’s important to get any emotional support you may need after an ectopic pregnancy. Talk to your doctor, who can offer more information about local or online support groups as well as professional counseling.