What potentially serious condition occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus?

Ectopic pregnancy is a condition that occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in one of the fallopian tubes. This situation can pose a serious threat to the health of the individual since the growing tissue can cause the tube to rupture, leading to internal bleeding, which may require emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can include sharp pelvic or abdominal pain, irregular bleeding, and signs of shock in severe cases.

In contrast, missed abortion refers to a situation where a pregnancy ends, but the body does not recognize the loss, resulting in no signs of miscarriage. Intrauterine growth restriction is a condition that occurs when a baby does not grow as expected during pregnancy, often linked to a variety of maternal and fetal factors. Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels that develop during pregnancy but typically resolves after delivery. While these conditions can affect pregnancy outcomes, they do not involve the implantation of the embryo outside the uterine cavity, which is the critical factor for diagnosing ectopic pregnancy.