What is the term for a pregnancy occurring outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes?

The term for a pregnancy occurring outside the uterus, commonly in the fallopian tubes, is ectopic pregnancy. This condition arises when a fertilized egg implants itself in an area other than the uterine lining, which can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and managed promptly. In most cases, ectopic pregnancies cannot result in a live birth, and the diagnosis is crucial for the health and safety of the individual, as it can lead to complications like internal bleeding.

Understanding other terms can provide valuable context. Placenta previa refers to a condition in which the placenta covers the cervix, posing risks during delivery. Miscarriage, also known as spontaneous abortion, is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week, generally occurring within the uterus. Abnormal gestation is a broader term that can refer to various issues during pregnancy but does not specifically describe the condition of having a pregnancy outside the uterus.