Abdominal pregnancy: a cause of failed induction of labour

Induction of labour is a common mode of management of intrauterine fetal deaths, and the process usually involves ripening of the cervix by traditional methods of intracervical Foley's catheter insertion or the use of prostaglandin preparations intravaginally. Such methods are usually very effective independently. The objective of this case report is to call the attention of practising obstetricians to the possibility of an abdominal pregnancy as a cause of failure to ripen the cervix and that careful re-evaluation and use of ultrasound scan can improve diagnostic acumen with favorable outcome of management in such cases

The case file of the patient was thoroughly reviewed. A literature search on the subject of abdominal pregnancy using local and international journals and relevant textbooks was done to document the current status of the management of such cases.

A 29-year-old Gravida 4 para 3+0 (2 alive) presented at an estimated gestational age of 32 weeks with loss of fetal movement, which was suggestive of fetal death and was referred as such from a private hospital. A process of induction of labour was commenced; to ripen the cervix with intracervical Foleys catheter and misoprostol tablet and stimulate uterine contraction, but this was not successful due to failure of the cervix to ripen. This prompted further review of the patient with the aim of excluding the possibility of an abdominal ectopic pregnancy. A repeat ultrasound scan was done and this confirmed a diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy. The patient had laparotomy done to deliver a dead fetus and the placenta was removed with the right tube and ovary as they were deeply embedded in the placental mass. The definitive diagnosis was that of a secondary abdominal pregnancy. She made a satisfactory postoperative recovery and was discharged home.

A high index of suspicion is needed to make a first time diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy. With timely diagnosis and appropriate management, the prognosis in most cases is favourable.