ABSTRACT
A heterotopic pregnancy (HP), from the Greek roots hetero meaning “other” and topos meaning “place,” is a multiple pregnancy, with one embryo viably implanted in the uterus and the other implanted elsewhere as an ectopic pregnancy. An HP refers to simultaneous pregnancies at two different implantation sites. Most commonly, one pregnancy is implanted in the uterus and at least one other is implanted outside the uterus in an ectopic pregnancy. The spontaneous incidence of HP with natural conception is estimated to be 1 in 30,000 pregnancies, with the incidence increasing to approximately 1 in 100 pregnancies with the use of ART. HP should be considered and evaluated for in all pregnancies during early assessment scans, especially in those with predisposing factors for multiple gestations and risk factors for ectopic gestation. HP should be considered and evaluated for in all pregnancies during early assessment scans, especially in those with predisposing factors for multiple gestations and risk factors for ectopic gestation.
