02/18/2026
Abdominal pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy in which the pregnancy implants within the peritoneal cavity, exclusive of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, broad ligament, and cervix. It is further classified as early (≤20 weeks of gestation) or advanced (>20 weeks of gestation). Abdominal pregnancy is associated with high maternal and fetal morbidity (eg, maternal hemorrhage, fistula formation, fetal malformation) and mortality. However, some abdominal pregnancies may continue to a viable gestation and successful pregnancy outcomes have been reported. Patients with hemorrhage and existing or impending hemodynamic instability or with embryonic/fetal demise require surgical removal of the pregnancy. Hemodynamically stable patients may choose expectant management or termination; the decision is generally determined by gestational age, but other factors (eg, patient preference, experience of the physician caring for the patient, presence of a fetal anomaly or severe oligohydramnios, access to a tertiary care hospital) also guide management decisions. The optimal management of the placenta is unclear and various methods (eg, removal of the placenta at the time of surgery, leaving the placenta in situ, pre- or postoperative methotrexate, selective embolization of the placental bed) may be used.
