Rare Ectopic Pregnancy: Baby Born Alive After Growing in Mother’s Abdomen for 29 Weeks

In a unique medical case, a woman in France discovered she was in the second trimester of a rare ectopic pregnancy, where the fetus was growing in her abdomen rather than the uterus. Typically, ectopic pregnancies, which occur in around 2% of pregnancies, take place in the fallopian tubes. However, in approximately 1% of cases, they can happen within the abdominal cavity, posing serious health risks if not promptly addressed.

The woman sought medical attention after experiencing abdominal pain for ten days. Upon examination, doctors suspected a pregnancy in her abdomen. An ultrasound revealed thickening of the uterine lining, a sign of pregnancy, but no fetus was found within the uterus. Further investigation through a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a normally formed baby attached to a placenta in the woman’s abdomen, connected to the lining above her spine.

Ectopic pregnancies are inherently risky and cannot reach full term due to inadequate support for the fetus and limited space for growth. These pregnancies often lead to life-threatening complications, making surgical removal or the use of growth-stopping drugs the standard treatment.

Recognizing the high risk of maternal hemorrhage and fetal demise, the woman was transferred to a tertiary care hospital for close monitoring during the final weeks of her pregnancy. After six weeks, surgeons performed a laparotomy, delivering the baby, who was then placed in a neonatal intensive care unit. Following the removal of part of the placenta in the initial surgery, a second procedure removed the remaining portion. The woman was discharged 25 days after the birth, and approximately a month later, she brought the baby home.

While the case report lacks post-discharge information due to the woman being “lost to follow-up,” the successful outcome showcases the intricate medical measures taken to address this extraordinary ectopic pregnancy. It is essential to note that this article serves informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice.