Gallbladder Symptoms during Pregnancy

Gallbladder-related disease is a common abdominal complaint, especially among pregnant women who are at higher risk for gallbladder-related problems.

Significance

Women who are pregnant are at a greater risk of developing gallstones, which can lead to a gallbladder attack. This is due to increased gallbladder motility and larger amounts of bile.

Function

The gallbladder is a storage reservoir for the bile production of the liver, which aids in the absorption of lipids and breakdown of fats ingested at each meal.

Identification

Gallbladder symptoms include stabbing pains in the upper-right quadrant that can radiate to the shoulder area and back, nausea, vomiting, fever or an intolerance for fatty foods.

Prevention/Solution

Treatment of gallbladder symptoms is usually conservative for a woman in her first or third trimesters and can include the use of intravenous fluids, correction of an electrolyte imbalance, bowel rest, antibiotics, antispasmodics and a fat-restricted diet.

Warning

The risk of spontaneous abortion is increased if surgery is performed to remove the gallbladder during the first trimester of a woman's pregnancy.

References

• Medscape