January 29, 2025: In a rare and extraordinary medical case, a 32-year-old pregnant woman from Buldhana district, Maharashtra, was diagnosed with a condition known as 'fetus in fetu.' This rare anomaly, where a malformed fetus is located inside the body of another fetus, was detected during a routine check-up at the Buldhana District Women's Hospital.
The woman, who is 35 weeks pregnant, visited the hospital for a sonography, where doctors identified an unusual fetal development. Dr. Prasad Agarwal, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the hospital, explained that the condition is extremely rare, occurring in about one in five lakh pregnancies. Globally, fewer than 200 cases have been reported, with 10 to 15 of these documented in India.
"It was my vigilance and luck that led me to notice something unusual during the scan," Dr. Agarwal said. "While the baby was growing normally, I observed a fetus-like structure and bones inside its abdomen. This immediately indicated 'fetus in fetu,' a condition so rare that it’s often only diagnosed after birth."
The case was confirmed by radiologist Dr. Shruti Thorat, who conducted further tests to verify the diagnosis. The woman has since been referred to a medical facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for a safe delivery and to explore further medical procedures.
Authorities at the hospital expressed hope that the woman would receive the necessary care for both her and her baby, considering the complexity of the condition.
As of now, the woman’s condition remains stable, and medical teams are preparing for the delivery to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and child.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Maharashtra Woman Diagnosed with Rare 'Fetus In Fetu' Condition During Pregnancy
January 29, 2025: In a rare and extraordinary medical case, a 32-year-old pregnant woman from Buldhana district, Maharashtra, was diagnosed with a condition known as 'fetus in fetu.' This rare anomaly, where a malformed fetus is located inside the body of another fetus, was detected during a routine check-up at the Buldhana District Women's Hospital.
The woman, who is 35 weeks pregnant, visited the hospital for a sonography, where doctors identified an unusual fetal development. Dr. Prasad Agarwal, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the hospital, explained that the condition is extremely rare, occurring in about one in five lakh pregnancies. Globally, fewer than 200 cases have been reported, with 10 to 15 of these documented in India.
"It was my vigilance and luck that led me to notice something unusual during the scan," Dr. Agarwal said. "While the baby was growing normally, I observed a fetus-like structure and bones inside its abdomen. This immediately indicated 'fetus in fetu,' a condition so rare that it’s often only diagnosed after birth."
The case was confirmed by radiologist Dr. Shruti Thorat, who conducted further tests to verify the diagnosis. The woman has since been referred to a medical facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for a safe delivery and to explore further medical procedures.
Authorities at the hospital expressed hope that the woman would receive the necessary care for both her and her baby, considering the complexity of the condition.
As of now, the woman’s condition remains stable, and medical teams are preparing for the delivery to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and child.