Occult Antenatal Fetal Abdominal Emergencies Resulting in Unplanned Preterm Delivery

Acute abdomen in the fetus can present as nonspecific fetal distress, and occasionally necessitate emergency cesarean section for the mother and subsequent emergency neonatal surgery. Often, preoperative diagnosis in utero is challenging. The authors herein report two cases, a case of primary segmental antenatal intestinal volvulus resulting in the mother presenting at 35 wk with symptoms and decreased fetal movements, and another case of a rapidly distending fetal abdominal mass at 31 wk manifesting as fetal hydrops. The postdelivery newborn management issues are presented. Early identification by the maternal and neonatal team allows for early neonatal surgery and can reduce morbidity and mortality. This can be facilitated by advanced maternal and child health services and efficient patient transport systems.