New Delhi, 30 July 2025: In a medical case that has stunned doctors in Uttar Pradesh, a 12-week-old foetus was discovered growing inside a woman’s liver—a condition so rare it has only been reported a handful of times worldwide. The case is being described as an extremely rare form of ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside the uterus, in this instance, the liver itself.
What Exactly Happened?
The woman, reportedly in her early 20s, came to the hospital with persistent abdominal pain, nausea, and fatigue. Routine tests and scans initially puzzled doctors—until an ultrasound and CT scan revealed that the growing foetus was implanted within the liver tissue.
She had no idea she was pregnant, let alone that the pregnancy was developing in such an unusual location.
What Is Intrahepatic (Liver) Pregnancy?
- Intrahepatic pregnancy is a type of ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants and grows inside the liver instead of the uterus or fallopian tubes.
- It is extremely rare and life-threatening due to the liver’s rich blood supply, making the risk of internal bleeding dangerously high.
- So far, fewer than five documented cases exist worldwide, and the condition often goes undiagnosed until complications occur.
How Did the Foetus End Up in the Liver?
- In ectopic pregnancies, the fertilised egg fails to reach the uterus and instead implants in a different part of the body.
- Doctors suspect that in this case, the embryo may have migrated through the abdominal cavity and attached to the liver, where it found enough blood supply to grow temporarily.
Warning Signs of Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancies are medical emergencies. Signs may include:
- Sharp or stabbing abdominal pain (usually on one side)
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Shoulder pain
- Weakness, dizziness, or fainting (due to internal bleeding)
- Low blood pressure
If you’re pregnant and experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
How Was This Handled?
- The medical team performed emergency surgery to remove the foetus and stop internal bleeding.
- The woman is now recovering, but her condition could have turned fatal if the diagnosis had been delayed.
- Doctors are calling it a miracle that the woman survived without severe liver damage or hemorrhage.
Why This Matters
This case serves as a critical reminder for both patients and doctors to consider ectopic pregnancy as a diagnosis when early pregnancy symptoms appear alongside unexplained abdominal pain.
It also highlights the importance of timely prenatal checkups and advanced imaging, especially when symptoms don’t match typical pregnancy signs.
This jaw-dropping case not only highlights the wonders of modern medical diagnostics but also the unpredictable nature of pregnancy complications. A foetus growing inside the liver is not just rare—it’s almost unimaginable. Yet, it happened—and now it’s an urgent reminder for women to seek early pregnancy care and listen to their bodies when something feels wrong.
