ectopic pregnancy

American  

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. the development of a fertilized ovum outside the uterus, as in a Fallopian tube.

---

ectopic pregnancy British  

noun

1. pathol the abnormal development of a fertilized egg outside the cavity of the uterus, usually within a Fallopian tube

---

Etymology

Origin of ectopic pregnancy

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

A former Daily Mail editor has denied obtaining sensitive medical information about the actress Sadie Frost's ectopic pregnancy though unlawful means.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

In an ectopic pregnancy, the placenta can’t safely grow, increasing the chances of maternal bleeding and fetal death, according to the release.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

Singer Florence Welch has revealed she underwent life-saving emergency surgery after experiencing an ectopic pregnancy in August 2023.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

In another, a woman in pain went to the emergency room and was found to have an ectopic pregnancy — a pregnancy growing outside of her uterus, endangering her life and future fertility.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2025

Illnesses have always run through his family—his father died years ago after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, his aunt died from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, and so on—but Vin believed he was better, stronger.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera