Doctors in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr were taken aback when an MRI scan of a 30-year-old woman revealed that the foetus was growing inside her liver rather than her uterus.
An unusual case in Uttar Pradesh has left the medical community stunned. Doctors in Bulandshahr were taken aback when an MRI scan of a 30-year-old woman revealed that she was 12 weeks pregnant, but the fetus was developing inside her liver instead of her uterus.
This rare and alarming condition is known as intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants and grows within the liver tissue. Specialists believe this could be the first such case ever reported in India.
What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?
According to the NHS, an ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in one of the fallopian tubes. These tubes connect the ovaries to the womb. If the fetus develops in the fallopian tubes, it cannot grow properly, and continuing the pregnancy can pose serious risks to the mother’s health.
Types Of Ectopic Pregnancies-
Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy- It occurs when a fertilised egg implants in the fallopian tube.
Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy– This condition occurs when a fertilised egg implants in the narrow section of the fallopian tube.
Caesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy- In this case, the gestational sac implants in the front wall of the lower part of the uterus where a previous caesarean scar is located.
Heterotopic Ectopic Pregnancy– In this type of pregnancy, both intrauterine (within the uterus) and extrauterine (outside the uterus) development occur at the same time.
Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy– It occurs when a gestational sac implants in the mucosa of the endocervical canal (mucous lining of the cervical canal).
How Dangerous Is It? Can It Be Life-Threatening?
According to the NHS, ectopic pregnancies can pose serious risks to a woman’s health. If left untreated, they can lead to internal bleeding and may even be life-threatening. Because the embryo cannot develop normally outside the uterus, continuing the pregnancy is not possible. Treatment typically involves medication (such as methotrexate) or surgery to remove the ectopic tissue and prevent complications.
How To Detect It? Is Abortion The Only Solution?
An ectopic pregnancy does not usually have distinct symptoms and may only be discovered during a regular pregnancy scan. If you do experience symptoms, they typically appear between the fourth and twelfth weeks of pregnancy. Symptoms may include abdominal ache on one side, vaginal bleeding, pain in the tip of the shoulder, and difficulty while peeing or pooping.
Since it can be fatal to the woman’s health, it is crucial to get treated at the earliest. Either an injection of methotrexate is given to prevent foetal growth or a laparoscopy is performed under general anaesthesia to remove the fertilised egg.
However, it is always best to consult a doctor and follow their medical advice. (News18)
