Pregnancy in the Liver? India's first case of rare Intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy

A 12-week-old foetus was found growing in the liver of a woman in Uttar Pradesh—shocking doctors and marking a possible first for Indian medical history.(Image: Pexels)

In a possibly first-of-its-kind case in India, a 30-year-old woman from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, was found to be 12 weeks pregnant—but not in her uterus. The foetus was growing inside her liver.

The diagnosis? Intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy—an incredibly rare medical condition where the embryo implants in the liver rather than the uterus.

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Globally, only eight such cases have ever been reported in countries like China, Nigeria, and the US. This may be India’s first known case.

The Shocking Discovery

The woman had been experiencing persistent abdominal pain and vomiting for weeks. With inconclusive ultrasound results, doctors recommended an MRI scan of her abdomen—a test typically used when deeper clarity is needed.

According to a FirstPost report, Dr KK Gupta, a senior radiologist at a private imaging centre in Meerut, performed the scan and was stunned.

“The foetus was embedded in the right lobe of the liver with visible cardiac pulsations,” he told News18.

“Her uterus was completely empty. I have never encountered anything like this in my entire career.”

The foetus measured around 12 weeks in gestational age and was found deep inside the liver tissue, drawing nutrients from the organ’s blood vessels.

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How Dangerous Is This?

Extremely. The liver is one of the most vascular organs in the body—meaning it’s rich in blood supply. While this might temporarily sustain a foetus, it also puts the mother at high risk of internal bleeding, organ rupture, or death.

“This is a life-threatening condition,” said Dr Jyotsna Mehta, a leading gynaecologist based in Lucknow, told FirstPost.

“In some rare global cases, doctors have attempted surgical removal of the foetus while leaving the placenta behind, shrinking it later with medication to reduce blood loss.”

What Happens Now?

The woman is under close medical observation. A multidisciplinary team—including gynaecologists, liver surgeons, radiologists, and anaesthesiologists—is currently working on a surgical plan.

Each decision must be individualised and carried out with extreme precision, doctors say. The upcoming surgery is expected to be one of great complexity and risk.

While her recovery and survival depend on many factors, the case has already earned its place in Indian medical history. And it serves as a reminder of just how astonishing—and fragile—the human body can be.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis