Abdominal pregnancy is a rare, potentially life-threatening type of ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus. In abdominal pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants in the abdomen.
What Is Abdominal Pregnancy?
Abdominal pregnancy can be challenging to diagnose at an early stage, as symptoms can vary and may not be specific. It’s rare for a live birth to result from an abdominal pregnancy, but it’s possible. However, in most cases, an abdominal pregnancy can result in serious complications for the mother and fetus, and is therefore often terminated at an early stage.
The signs and symptoms of abdominal pregnancy may be similar to those of other ectopic pregnancies, and they may vary, making early diagnosis challenging.
Signs and symptoms may include:
Severe lower abdominal pain
Bloody vaginal discharge or vaginal bleeding
Nausea and vomiting
Painful fetal movements
Malaise
Change in bowel movements
There are no known specific risk factors for abdominal pregnancy; however, researchers have reported higher rates of the condition in countries with a low socioeconomic status due to the high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, which can damage the fallopian tubes.
Abdominal pregnancy can be challenging to diagnose and can be misdiagnosed, particularly in the early stages. In many cases, the condition is diagnosed at a later stage after more serious symptoms, such as persistent abdominal pain or bleeding, develop.
A doctor may suspect an abdominal pregnancy if a woman reports abdominal pain or pain with the fetus's movements. In that case, an ultrasound or other imaging exam, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scan, can help determine the position and implantation site of the gestational sac.
The diagnosis may also be confirmed laparoscopically, in a minimally invasive procedure that uses a thin tube with a camera and light on it to determine the size and the exact location of the pregnancy.
In rare cases, an abdominal pregnancy can result in a live birth. Most abdominal pregnancies, however, are terminated at an early stage.
Medication Options
If caught early, an ectopic pregnancy may be ended with a dose of methotrexate (Trexall), a drug that stops cells from dividing and is toxic to the placenta.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for abdominal pregnancy — usually laparoscopic surgery or abdominal surgery.
There is no way to prevent an ectopic pregnancy. You can lower your risk of experiencing pregnancy-related complications by not smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, and taking steps to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
Abdominal pregnancy can be more dangerous for the pregnant person than other ectopic pregnancies, such as those that involve the fallopian tubes. The risk of maternal death ranges from 0.5 to 18 percent, while the risk of fetal death can be as high as 95 percent.
However, early diagnosis often leads to a better prognosis.
Thanks to advances in prenatal care, most abdominal pregnancies can be caught and treated in the early stages.
Abdominal pregnancies can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus.
Advanced abdominal pregnancy (AAP), or an abdominal pregnancy after 20 weeks of pregnancy, can cause severe maternal postpartum hemorrhage or bleeding, which could lead to death in some cases.
For the fetus, dangers include not receiving adequate blood and nutrients to support healthy growth. Those fetuses that do survive an abdominal pregnancy can have malformations.
Once you’ve had an ectopic pregnancy, you also have a higher risk of experiencing another one.
Abdominal pregnancy is a rare condition that may occur in 1 in every 10,000 to 30,000 pregnancies.
The condition may account for about 1 percent of all ectopic pregnancies. (In more than 90 percent of ectopic pregnancies, the fertilized egg implants in a fallopian tube.)
March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization that aims to end preventable preterm birth and infant death as well as preventable maternal health risks and death. If abdominal pregnancy caused your pregnancy to end, March of Dimes has online groups where you can share your story as well as a bereavement kit.
Share is a community for anyone who has experienced the death of their baby. The nonprofit offers in-person support in St. Louis as well as a monthly Zoom group for those who don’t live in the area. They can also help you find support in your state.
Abdominal pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy where the fertilized egg implants in the abdomen rather than the uterus or fallopian tubes. Symptoms can range from abdominal pain and vomiting to more severe signs like heavy bleeding. Abdominal pregnancy can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus, so If you suspect something unusual with your pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider right away.
