ectopic pregnancy

American  

noun

Medicine/Medical.

ectopic pregnancies plural

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

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ectopic pregnancy British  

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• ectopic pregnancies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of ectopic pregnancy

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ectopic pregnancy

The disparity was stark for ectopic pregnancy: The data indicate that the inappropriate provision of mifepristone to a woman with an ectopic pregnancy was between three and six times more likely with remote dispensing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 10, 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

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

Ever since my ectopic pregnancy, my cycle had gone haywire.

From Slate ● Jan. 2, 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