A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus is called what?

• A. Ectopic pregnancy
• B. Miscarriage
• C. Hyperemesis gravidarum
• D. Placental previa

Answer: (A)

The main concept being tested is the term used for a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. The best answer is ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo begins to develop outside the uterine cavity—most commonly in the fallopian tube—so there isn’t a suitable environment to support growth. As the embryo grows without a proper uterine setting, it can cause abdominal pain and life-threatening bleeding if the tissue ruptures, making urgent medical care essential. This condition is distinct from a miscarriage, which is the loss of a pregnancy before viability; hyperemesis gravidarum, which is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy; and placenta previa, where the placenta implants low in the uterus and can cause bleeding later in pregnancy. Those terms describe other pregnancy issues, not implantation outside the uterus.