BREAKING: California mom delivers healthy baby after nearly full‑term abdominal ectopic pregnancy hidden by 22‑pound cyst
A medical shock turned into a safe homecoming. I can confirm that Suze Lopez, 41, an emergency room nurse from Bakersfield, delivered a healthy full‑term baby after doctors discovered her pregnancy was developing in her abdomen, not her uterus. A gigantic ovarian cyst, about 22 pounds, had masked the pregnancy. The baby, Ryu Jesse, is now home after two weeks in the NICU. Suze is recovering well, resting with her family and holding her son close. 💙
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Inside the life‑saving surgery
Lopez learned she was pregnant during routine pre‑op testing for cyst removal. Days later, severe pain sent her to Cedars‑Sinai. Imaging showed an abdominal ectopic pregnancy. The fetus was growing near her liver, behind the cyst, with the baby’s lower body pressing against the uterus.
A multidisciplinary team moved fast. About 30 specialists coordinated a two‑stage plan. First, they removed the massive cyst. Then they opened the abdomen and delivered Ryu by C‑section. The placenta was attached to abdominal tissue, which carries high bleeding risk. Intra‑abdominal placentas do not detach cleanly.
Lopez hemorrhaged during surgery. She received about 11 units of blood through a rapid transfusion system. The hospital activated a full maternal hemorrhage protocol. That preparation mattered. It stabilized Suze and protected her organs while surgeons worked.
Ryu arrived full term, about 8 pounds 6 ounces, with strong vital signs for his situation. He spent roughly two weeks in the NICU for monitoring and feeding support. He is now home, gaining weight and bonding well. The family is beginning their first holiday season as four.
What an abdominal ectopic pregnancy means
Most ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube. Abdominal ectopic pregnancies are far less common. In this condition, the embryo implants inside the abdomen, often after a tubal pregnancy ruptures. The placenta attaches to organs like the bowel, liver, or abdominal wall. That can cause dangerous bleeding.
These pregnancies rarely reach viability. Many end early because there is no safe uterine lining to support the placenta. When they continue, the mother faces high risk. Bleeding, organ injury, infection, and blood clots are all concerns. Fetal risk is also high, including growth problems and compression injuries.
Early ultrasound usually detects ectopic pregnancies. In rare cases, anatomy, cysts, scarring, or unusual placental positions can hide them. This case shows how a very large cyst can obscure both exam and imaging, even late in pregnancy.
Call your doctor or go to the ER for sudden severe abdominal pain, shoulder pain with dizziness, fainting, or heavy vaginal bleeding.
Health lessons for every pregnancy
You can lower risk with timely care. Book prenatal care as soon as you have a positive test. Ask for a first‑trimester ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy location. Most providers can do this by 7 to 10 weeks.
Know your history. Prior ectopic pregnancy, smoking, pelvic infections, tubal surgery, and assisted reproduction are known risk factors for ectopic pregnancy. Age over 35 also raises risk. Many people with risk factors will still have healthy uterine pregnancies, but they benefit from early imaging and close follow‑up.
Trust your body. If something feels off, push for evaluation. Pain that is sharp, one‑sided, or worsening is a red flag. So is lightheadedness or new shortness of breath. Normal lab results do not rule out a problem when symptoms are severe.
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Aim for a confirming ultrasound by 11 to 14 weeks if earlier imaging was not completed or was unclear.
Team‑based care saves lives. Hospitals with maternal‑fetal medicine, surgical, anesthesia, neonatology, and blood bank teams can respond quickly to rare crises. Mass transfusion protocols, cell salvage, and real‑time imaging are crucial tools that improve survival.
Blood donation supports mothers in hemorrhage and babies in NICU care. If you are able, consider donating this month.
What helped this story end well
- Rapid diagnosis with ultrasound and MRI, followed by a clear surgical plan
- A coordinated team prepared for massive bleeding before the first incision
- Continuous monitoring for both mother and baby from OR to NICU
These steps turned a near‑fatal scenario into a safe delivery and a healthy newborn. Preparation, experience, and communication made the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an abdominal ectopic pregnancy?
A: It is a pregnancy that implants in the abdomen instead of the uterus. The placenta attaches to abdominal organs or tissue, which can cause severe bleeding.
Q: How rare is this?
A: It is extremely rare. Most ectopic pregnancies are in the fallopian tube. Abdominal cases are a small fraction, and full‑term survival for both mother and baby is very uncommon.
Q: What symptoms should I watch for?
A: Sudden abdominal or shoulder pain, dizziness, fainting, and heavy bleeding need urgent care. Persistent, unusual pain in pregnancy should always be checked.
Q: Can a baby survive outside the uterus?
A: Rarely. Survival depends on where the placenta attaches, the mother’s stability, and access to expert care and blood products.
Q: Should I be worried this could happen to me?
A: The odds are very low. Early prenatal care and a confirming ultrasound give strong protection. Most pregnancies are in the uterus and end well.
Suze and Ryu are home, proving how science, skill, and perseverance can protect life. Their story is a reminder to start care early, speak up when something feels wrong, and trust a strong medical team when minutes matter.
