Undiagnosed advanced abdominal pregnancy: a case report

Abstract

<p class="abstract">Abdominal pregnancy is a rare form of extra-uterine gestation in which implantation occurs in the peritoneal cavity, unlike this case it rarely reaches advanced gestation and viability of fetal outcome are not commonly documented. Abdominal pregnancy accounts for about 1-2% of ectopic gestation. It is associated with poor fetal outcome and great morbidity and mortality due to heamorrhage especially in a low resource setting. We present an undiagnosed advanced case of abdominal pregnancy of a 30 yr old unbooked G2P1+0 (1A) with early ultrasound estimation of 37 weeks and 6 days. She presented with (abdominal) labour pains and ultrasound diagnosis of breech presentation, suspicion of a bicornuate uterus and intrauterine growth restriction. She was planned for emergency cesarean delivery on this basis but found advanced abdominal pregnancy, and subsequently on delivery had good maternal and fetal outcome. Abdominal pregnancy with live fetus is extremely rare, and requires a high index of suspicion, to avoid high risk of maternal morbidity and mortality and it is also imperative for all healthcare givers to localized pregnancy whenever they get in contact with a woman who has recently missed her period.</p>