Incredible Birth: Woman Delivers Healthy Baby Despite Rare Ectopic Pregnancy

A remarkable birth took place earlier this year, with doctors now sharing the story of one of the rarest ectopic pregnancies ever recorded globally.

In Chelyabinsk, a woman diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy successfully delivered a healthy baby. For months, medical specialists closely monitored the mother’s health following the unusual delivery until they were confident both mother and child were thriving.

"No Nausea or Symptoms Raised Suspicion"

Olesya Vorotova and her husband had long dreamed of starting a family, but pregnancy eluded them for years.

"At first, we tried without success. Then we gave up," she recalls. "Life became all about work."

However, in January, Olesya sensed something unusual about her body.

"I didn't have a visible baby bump, nor did I experience nausea or discomfort. I never imagined I was pregnant," admits the 40-year-old. "Then I took a pregnancy test in January, and it was positive."

In February, upon registering at a women's clinic, an ultrasound revealed a 30-week pregnancy, yet no abnormalities were detected. Five weeks later, an astonishing discovery changed everything.

"During my third screening in Magnitogorsk, obstetrician-gynecologist Sergey Nikolaevich Serman identified the rare condition. It was shocking — even for him," Olesya shares. "He said it simply couldn’t be possible! I was immediately airlifted here for specialized care."

Medical Insight

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. This condition is a leading cause of internal abdominal bleeding, which can be fatal if untreated.

• When to recognize early signs of ectopic pregnancy?

"The Placenta Attached to Major Blood Vessels"

Olesya was transported by air ambulance to the gynecology department of the Chelyabinsk Regional Clinical Hospital. After a CT scan, doctors determined immediate surgery was necessary.

"The placenta was located within the abdominal cavity, attached directly to major blood vessels, with no connection to the uterus," explains head gynecologist Pavel Efremov. "This is the most complex form of ectopic pregnancy — the embryo found nutrient-rich vessels to support its growth."

The situation was unpredictable; any vessel damage could cause uncontrollable bleeding. Given the pregnancy’s progression, doctors opted for a planned delivery.

"We consulted experts in Moscow and Europe, including a specialist in Spain renowned for handling such cases. After thorough evaluation, we decided to proceed with scheduled delivery to avoid emergencies," the doctor explains.

"Nature Gave Us a Miracle"

Three medical teams awaited Olesya in the operating room: obstetricians, abdominal surgeons, and vascular surgeons, prepared for any complication.

"We were more anxious than the patient, aware of potential risks," says Pavel Efremov. "The placenta was attached to iliac vessels on the right side, which are crucial for pelvic and leg blood supply. Cutting or repairing them was extremely risky. We aimed for minimal intervention. Fortunately, nature was on our side. Upon opening the abdomen, we found the amniotic sac instead of the uterus. This was a first in my 46-year career. We carefully opened the sac, the water broke, and we delivered the baby without further complications."

Learn about the pros and cons of pregnancy and childbirth after age 35.

Doctors chose to leave the placenta inside the abdominal cavity to avoid life-threatening complications.

"Removing the placenta posed enormous risks that could have been fatal," explains Deputy Chief Surgeon Ilya Bondarevskiy. "Experts from Moscow, Spain, and Germany advised against removal, and we followed their guidance. Deciding not to perform further surgery was the hardest choice, but it proved to be the right one."

Olesya spent nearly two months hospitalized post-delivery, as doctors monitored the placenta, initially over 20 centimeters in diameter, ensuring it shrank naturally without causing vascular damage. Patience was essential until both medical staff and patient felt reassured.

"This marks the 19th documented case worldwide where both mother and child survived without complications," concludes Pavel Efremov.

"Our Lives Changed Completely"

The baby girl, born weighing two kilograms, was considered a healthy preterm infant. Thanks to expert neonatal care, early birth consequences were minimized. Now nine months old, she is the center of her family’s universe.

"Our lives have turned 180 degrees," Olesya smiles. "Our home is now filled with noise, toys, and joy. I am endlessly grateful to the doctors: both my daughter and I are healthy and thriving."

Author: Svetlana Talipova / NGS.RU

Photos: Leonid Menshenin

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