How do you know if you have gallstones during pregnancy?

How do you know if you have gallstones during pregnancy?

Symptoms of gallbladder problems during pregnancy These include: intense itching (most common symptom) jaundice, where a person’s skin and eyes take on a yellow tint because there’s too much bilirubin (a waste product of breaking down red blood cells) in a person’s blood. urine that’s darker than usual.

Can you pass gallstones while pregnant?

Most of the time, gallstones that form in pregnancy don’t cause symptoms and go away on their own. But they can cause problems if they obstruct ducts in the gallbladder and prevent bile from exiting.

Can gallstones cause pregnancy complications?

Symptomatic gallstone disease has been related with increased mortality risk for the mother and fetus, besides the risk of interventions in pregnancy(7). Complications including spontaneous abortion, fetal abnormalities, preterm labor, and even fetal and maternal death may occur.

What should I eat if I have gallstones while pregnant?

More fiber: Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Good fats: Avoid saturated fats, such as those found in animal products (like meat and whole milk) and focus on omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats.

How do I know if I have gallstones?

Symptoms

  1. Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen.
  2. Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen, just below your breastbone.
  3. Back pain between your shoulder blades.
  4. Pain in your right shoulder.
  5. Nausea or vomiting.

How can gallstones affect you and your pregnancy?

The main symptoms of presence of gallstones during pregnancy include: Pain: Pain the main symptom of presence of gallstones. Pain can be experienced in different area and its intensity ranges from sharp to moderate, mild, dull and throbbing. Fever and chills Nausea Jaundice signs (yellowing of skin or eyes) Vomiting Clay-colored stool

Why do women get gallstones after pregnancy?

As a result, about 5% to 8% of women will experience either gallbladder sludge or gallstones during pregnancy. Gallstones may also form just after pregnancy due to hormonal changes and weight loss . Gallstones are more common in people who are obese and people who gain or lose weight rapidly. 2 

How are gallstones treated during pregnancy?

How to Treat Gallbladder Issues in Pregnant Women Biliary Colic. Bile, the fluid that helps the body digest fats, is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder until needed for digestion. Non-Surgical Management. Many gallbladder problems, however, don’t require treatment unless symptoms occur. Surgery. Endoscopy.

Are gallstones dangerous during pregnancy?

Gallstones are more common during pregnancy due to decreased gallbladder motility and increased cholesterol saturation of bile. Gallstone disease during pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of preterm birth, maternal morbidity and readmission, as well as neonatal morbidity [ 1 ].

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