What is the term for a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus?

The term for a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus is known as an ectopic pregnancy. This condition typically happens when a fertilized egg implants in a location other than the uterine lining, with the most common alternative site being within one of the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancies can lead to serious health complications for the person carrying the pregnancy, as the growing tissue can cause internal bleeding and other complications.

Understanding this concept is essential in obstetrics, as early detection and management of ectopic pregnancies are critical to ensure the safety of the patient. Other types of pregnancies, such as normal pregnancies, molar pregnancies, and gestational trophoblastic diseases, have distinct characteristics and occur within the uterus or are related to abnormal tissue growth rather than implantation outside the uterine environment.