Expectant management of abdominal pregnancy. A report of two cases.

Abstract

In two recent consecutive cases of abdominal pregnancy the diagnosis was made at 18 weeks' gestation, and the patients refused immediate surgery and elected to maintain the pregnancy until fetal viability developed. Both patients were managed expectantly with continuous antepartum hospitalization. Fetal assessment was by serial ultrasound assessment of growth and amniotic fluid volume and by nonstress testing. Planned operative delivery was accomplished at 28 1/2 weeks and 33 weeks' gestation. In the second case the diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. That fetus was also assessed with umbilical artery Doppler flow studies. Despite significant morbidity, both the mothers and infants are alive and well.