Not in Womb: Baby Grows in Liver, Shocks Doctors

A 30-year-old woman from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, was found to be 12 weeks pregnant but not in her uterus. Instead, MRI scans revealed that the foetus was growing inside her liver. This condition, known as intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy, is so rare that only eight cases have been documented globally so far. Doctors believe this might be India’s first reported case.

Why Is This So Dangerous?

The liver has a dense network of blood vessels, making this condition extremely risky. As the foetus grows, it can cause damage or even rupture the liver, leading to massive internal bleeding. That is why continuing the pregnancy is not an option in such cases.

According to Dr Jyotsna Mehta, a senior gynaecologist from Lucknow, surgeries to remove the foetus are complex and carry significant risks.

“The main goal is to save the mother’s life. Even a minor error during surgery could cause uncontrolled bleeding,” she explained. “In certain cases worldwide, physicians have removed the foetus but kept the placenta within, reducing it later using medicines to lessen bleeding risks.“

What is Intrahepatic Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy develops when a fertilised egg is implanted outside of the uterine wall. The majority of such pregnancies happen in the fallopian tubes. However, in intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy, the embryo attaches and grows inside the liver — one of the body’s most blood-rich organs. This rare form of ectopic pregnancy is not only difficult to detect but also life-threatening if not managed in time.

How Was the Case Discovered?

The woman had been suffering from ongoing abdominal pain and vomiting for several weeks. When regular tests failed to explain her symptoms, doctors referred her for an MRI scan of the abdomen.
The scan, performed at a private imaging centre in Meerut, stunned radiologist Dr KK Gupta, who has over three decades of experience. He found a well-formed gestational sac — with a live foetus — inside the right lobe of the liver. The uterus was empty, confirming the absence of a normal pregnancy.
“At first, I thought it might be a mistake or an imaging error,” said Dr Gupta. “But repeated scans confirmed a live foetus in the liver tissue itself. I had never seen anything like this in my entire career.”

A Team Effort for a High-Risk Case

Due to the complexity of the condition, the woman is currently under close medical supervision. A multidisciplinary team — including gynaecologists, radiologists, liver surgeons, and anaesthesiologists — has been formed to plan the safest approach to surgery.
While her condition remains serious, the doctors are taking every possible precaution to ensure the best outcome.

Why This Case Matters

This unusual case not only highlights the need for timely and accurate imaging in unexplained pregnancy-related symptoms but also marks a milestone in Indian medical history. As Dr Gupta stated, documenting this case can help educate and prepare doctors worldwide for managing similar rare situations.

“This is a once-in-a-career case for most doctors. Its documentation will serve as a vital reference in medical literature,” he added.

Conclusion

Ectopic pregnancies occur in 1–2% of all pregnancies, and nearly all of them are found in the fallopian tubes. Intra-abdominal and ovarian pregnancies are less common. But pregnancy inside the liver is one of the rarest medical events known. Only eight cases have ever been reported worldwide, in countries like China, Nigeria, the U.S., and parts of Europe.
This Meerut case could be the first one recorded in India, and it is expected to be published in medical journals for reference.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.