On 10/7, Doctor Nguyen Binh An, Head of the Obstetrics Department at Post Hospital, announced this was a rare and highly dangerous condition. The patient was unaware she was carrying twins, with one fetus developing inside the uterus, showing a fetal heartbeat, while the other had implanted in the fallopian tube. This condition, known as heterotopic pregnancy, involves both an ectopic and an intrauterine pregnancy, occurring in approximately 1 out of 30,000 natural pregnancies.

According to the doctor, the greatest challenge of the surgery was to completely remove the ectopic pregnancy while minimizing any impact on the uterus and the remaining fetus. Every surgical step, including dissection, hemostasis, and instrument use, required careful calculation to ensure the safety of the developing fetus in the uterus.

"Even a single inappropriate action could affect the pregnancy", the doctor said.

After the surgery, the ectopic pregnancy was safely removed with minimal invasiveness. The patient's health stabilized, and the intrauterine fetus continues to be preserved and monitored.

Doctors performing surgery on the patient. *Photo: Hospital provided*

If an ectopic pregnancy is detected late and not promptly treated, it can lead to rupture and massive bleeding, threatening the health of both the mother and the remaining fetus. This condition is the leading cause of maternal mortality among obstetric complications during the first trimester. However, healthcare providers can easily detect this condition through ultrasound.

Doctors recommend that women of reproductive age seek medical attention immediately if they experience unusual symptoms such as: missed periods, a few days' delay in menstruation, menstrual irregularities, morning sickness, breast tenderness, lower abdominal pain, or dark brown bleeding that may contain tissue and does not clot. Pregnant women should adhere to their regular prenatal check-up schedule as advised by their doctor.

Thuy An