Spontaneous Haemoperitoneum in Pregnancy- A Diagnostic Challenge

Abstract

Spontaneous haemoperitoneum in pregnancy is an extremely rare condition that poses a diagnostic dilemma for the obstetrician. The authors here present a case of 23-year-old primigravida presenting at 34-weeks with acute pain in abdomen masquerading as clinical chorioamnionitis secondary to prolonged rupture of membranes. Abdomen palpation revealed uterine tenderness and pathological cardiotocography tracings suggesting the need for immediate delivery of the foetus by emergency caesarean section. Intraoperatively, there was haemoperitoneum (800 mL) and bleeding superficial uterine serosal veins on the posterior surface of uterus seen on exploration. The patient was successfully managed with favourable maternal and fetal outcome.