Advanced Abdominal Pregnancy in a Tertiary Health Centre in North-Central Nigeria: A Case Report.

Abstract

Introduction:  Abdominal pregnancy is a rare complication of pregnancy. It is a type of ectopic pregnancy with very high maternal and fetal complications. Case presentation: A 27 year old G3P2 (2A) at 32 weeks who presented on account of recurrent abdominal pain associated with fetal movement. An ultrasound scan revealed an abdominal pregnancy. She was managed conservatively till 34 weeks and had an exploratory laparotomy. Intraoperative findings were a live female fetus lying freely in the abdominal cavity encircled in omental tissue.  Saucer shaped placenta tissue morbidly adherent to the uterine fundus. The mother and baby recovered and were discharged. Conclusions: Advanced abdominal pregnancy is an extremely rare diagnosis and often requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. It is a high risk pregnancy as the placenta can be attached to vital organs and blood vessels and can result in massive haemorrhage if detached. The fetus is also at risk of congenital anomalies and should be properly assessed.