Navi Mumbai doctors save life of pregnant woman with rare complication

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Doctors in Navi Mumbai have successfully saved the life of a 33-year-old woman who became pregnant just seven months after a C-section delivery.

The patient had a history of complicated pregnancies, including an ectopic pregnancy, and her rare cornual ectopic pregnancy went unnoticed until a routine check-up.

Due to timely diagnosis and laparoscopic surgery, the team led by Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Motherhood Hospital in Kharghar, was able to address the cornual ectopic pregnancy, ultimately saving her life and preventing serious complications.

Harshali Shriniwas Palsodkar, a 33-year-old IT professional and resident of Navi Mumbai, endured a challenging journey to motherhood. In 2020, she suffered a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which led to the removal of one fallopian tube. However, her perseverance paid off when she conceived for the next time last year and successfully delivered her baby boy via C-section. Just seven months after this long-awaited birth, life took an unexpected turn when she discovered she was pregnant again and under Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha's care.

Dr Surabhi said, "After seven months postpartum, the patient realised that her periods were missing. However, a pregnancy test confirmed that she was pregnant. During the vaginal and abdomen sonography, it was difficult to detect the pregnancy. Even ultrasound revealed no pregnancy inside the uterus or fallopian tubes, which led to a suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy or another complication. The beta HCG test was done for the evaluation of potential ectopic pregnancy. A repeated ultrasound, performed after a week, revealed that the pregnancy was located in the cornual part of the uterus, a very rare location for pregnancy, particularly on the same side where the fallopian tube had been previously removed, and a Cornual ectopic pregnancy was confirmed."

Cornual ectopic pregnancy is very rare where the embryo implants in the upper part of the uterus, near the fallopian tubes. Although the pregnancy was outside of the uterus, it was still within the uterine wall, making it harder to detect. Interstitial pregnancy occurs in approximately 2-4 per cent of all ectopic pregnancies making it a relatively rare form of ectopic pregnancy; this translates to roughly 1 in 2500 to 1 in 5000 pregnancies overall.

"Cornual ectopic pregnancy is often mistaken for other conditions, such as fibroids or polyps, especially if the ultrasound is not detailed. In this case, the fertilised egg may have migrated towards the cornual ectopic area after fertilization. Such pregnancies are high-risk because if the pregnancy grows too large, it can cause a rupture of major blood vessels after 8-10 weeks, leading to severe internal bleeding and shock. Bleeding due to rupture is the cause of maternal mortality. For this patient, it was crucial to have frequent follow-up exams, beta HCG tests (to measure human chorionic gonadotropin in blood), and high-quality sonography to detect the pregnancy early and prevent any life-threatening complications via timely intervention," underscored Dr Surabhi.

The patient was scheduled for laparoscopic surgery to remove the pregnancy and prevent rupture. The surgery successfully removed the pregnancy in the cornual ectopic area, preventing any potential bleeding and complications. The surgery lasted for an hour and the uterus was preserved The surgery was successfully performed under expert guidance of Dr Surabhi, Dr Ujjwal Mahajan and Dr Anita Roy at the hospital.

Dr Surabhi stressed the importance of awareness and regular check-ups, especially for women with a history of complicated pregnancies. "Even if you're lactating or not having regular periods, it's essential to take pregnancy tests if you suspect you might be pregnant. Hormonal changes during lactation can mask signs of pregnancy, making it crucial to keep track of any unusual symptoms and seek medical attention if needed. Regular follow-ups, monitoring beta hCG levels, and getting detailed ultrasounds are vital in detecting potential risks like cornual ectopic pregnancy early and ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.

Harshali sharing her experience, said, "My pregnancy journey has been incredibly challenging. Conceiving during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was difficult due to restricted hospital access. I often felt dizzy and, upon getting checked, was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy at nine weeks with enlarged fallopian tubes. Although surgery was planned for the following month, my fallopian tube ruptured the next day, requiring immediate surgery and removal of my left tube. Losing hope of conceiving again, I left it to fate - until I unexpectedly became pregnant in December 2023 and delivered my baby boy in August 2024."

She added, "To my surprise, in December 2024, I conceived again, but ultrasounds couldn't detect where the sac had developed, despite positive HCG levels. After consulting Dr. Surabhi, detailed tests confirmed a rare cornual ectopic pregnancy, requiring immediate laparoscopic surgery. Thanks to the expertise and prompt intervention at Motherhood Hospitals, I received the right care at the right time, ensuring my safety."

"My journey has been tough, but I am now recovering well. To all mothers, I urge you not to ignore even minor symptoms - seek preventive checkups and consultations. Early detection through routine ultrasounds, HCG tests, and regular gynecological screenings can help diagnose complications like ectopic pregnancies before they become life-threatening. Being proactive about your reproductive health can make all the difference. I was fortunate to have Dr. Surabhi and the dedicated team at Motherhood Hospitals, who guided me at every stage and helped me navigate this rare and critical condition," the Navi Mumbai resident concluded.