ABDOMINAL GESTATION Meaning and
Definition
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Abdominal gestation, also known as abdominal pregnancy, is a rare medical condition characterized by the development of a fetus outside of the uterus within the abdominal cavity. In a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus for development, but in abdominal gestation, the implantation occurs within the abdomen.
This condition occurs when the egg fails to travel through the fallopian tube and instead implants in the peritoneal lining or any other abdominal organ, such as the intestines or liver. The fertilized egg then continues to grow and develop into a fetus within the abdomen.
Abdominal gestation is considered a potentially life-threatening condition as the abdomen does not provide the same level of support and protection as the uterus. The structures within the abdomen may not be able to accommodate the growing fetus, leading to complications such as organ damage, rupture, hemorrhage, or preterm labor.
Symptoms of abdominal gestation may include abdominal pain, delayed fetal movements, vaginal bleeding, and an enlarged abdomen. Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination, ultrasound, and other imaging techniques.
Treatment for abdominal gestation involves surgical intervention to remove the fetus and placenta from the abdominal cavity, as it is not a viable location for the pregnancy to continue. Immediate medical attention is essential to prevent further complications and preserve the health and fertility of the individual affected.
Etymology of ABDOMINAL GESTATION
The word "abdominal" originates from the Latin word "abdomen", which refers to the region of the body between the thorax and the pelvis. It was derived from the Latin verb "abdō" meaning "to hide" or "conceal".
The term "gestation" comes from the Latin word "gestatio", which means "carrying" or "carriage". It is related to the verb "gerere", which means "to carry" or "bear". In the context of pregnancy, gestation refers to the period during which a fetus develops in the womb.
Combining these two terms, "abdominal gestation" refers to the condition where a fetus develops and grows within the abdomen instead of the uterus, as in the case of ectopic pregnancy.
Similar spelling word for ABDOMINAL GESTATION
- Tubo-abdominal Gestation.
