Editorial

Abdominal Pregnancy—An Obstetrical Enigma

Authors: Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, FACOG

Abstract

Abdominal pregnancy is defined as an IP implantation of an ectopic pregnancy exclusive of tubal, intraligamentous or ovarian permeation.1Its incidence worldwide varies from 1:1320 to 1:10,200 births.1 The condition is associated with significant maternal mortality, with rates reported in the literature from 0.5 to 30%, and a perinatal mortality rate of approximately 95%.2,3

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References

1. Cotter A, Izquierdo L, Heredia F. Abdominal pregnancy. Available at: http://www.thefetus.net.
 
2. Atrash HK Friede A, Hogue CJ. Abdominal pregnancy in the United States: frequency and maternal mortality. Obstet Gynecol 1987;69:333–337.
 
3. Ramachandran K, Kirk P. Massive hemorrhage in a previously undiagnosed abdominal pregnancy presenting for elective Cesarean delivery. Can J Anesth 2004;51:57–61.
 
4. Studdiford WE. Primary peritoneal pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1942;44:487.
 
5. Cotter AM, Jacques EG, Izquierdo LA. Extended field of view sonography: a useful tool in the diagnosis and management of abdominal pregnancy. J Clin Ultrasound 2004;32:207–210.