Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum in Third Trimester of Pregnancy-an Enigma

Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy is a rare and challenging obstetric emergency. It can present as acute abdomen with features of hypovolemic shock and requires high index of suspicion for diagnosis as various obstetric and non-obstetric causes have similar presenting features. Here we present a case of primigravida at 33 weeks of gestation who presented with acute abdomen, signs of shock and a pathological trace on cardiotocogram. She underwent laparotomy and cesarean section in view of suspicion of abruption placentae. Intraoperatively there was hemoperitoneum of 600 ml with 750 g clots and a small venous bleeder on the posterior surface of the uterus which was secured with hemostatic sutures. Patient got discharged along with the baby on seventh postoperative day. Timely intervention is paramount in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.