Advanced Abdominal Pregnancy Following in Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer: A Case Report

Abstract

Abstract:Background: An abdominal pregnancy is a rare condition with high morbidity and mortality. Unlike most other ectopic pregnancies, it has a unique potential to progress to fetal viability. Reports abound of live births following spontaneously-conceived abdominal pregnancies but same cannot be said of those conceived via In vitro fertilization/Embryo transfer (IVF/ET). We report a case of an undiagnosed abdominal pregnancy following IVF/ET, which resulted in a live birth. Case presentation: A 50-year-old booked Gravida 2 Para 0 +1 lady with an IVF pregnancy was admitted at 28 weeks gestation based on complaints of vague abdominal pains. All Ultrasound scans performed prior to and after admission reported the pregnancy as intrauterine. While on admission, she developed preeclampsia which became severe necessitating an urgent abdominal delivery at 34 weeks. The 'urgent caesarean section' eventually became a laparotomy. A live female fetus weighing 2.4kg was extracted from the peritoneal cavity. The placenta which was implanted mainly on the omentum was resected and removed. Both the mother and her baby were discharged home in good conditions. Conclusion: An Abdominal pregnancy may occur following IVF/ET and be missed during antenatal care despite repeated ultrasound examinations. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for its occurrence.