Gallbladder ( with gallstones ) may complicate a Pregnancy for any woman, characterised commonly by, Gallbladder pain during pregnancy, felt like steady to intense in severity, could last for more than 5 hours.
Gallstones are lumps of concentrated bile ( composed of cholesterol, fats, water and salts ). The major impact is inflammation ( Cholecystitis ) or more severity leads to rupturing of the gallbladder if left untreated. The probability of developing gallstones is more in females than males, especially during pregnancy it is 5-8% more on chances.
Where Exactly Gallbladder Pain Occurs?
- Right Abdominal Side – Especially after intake of fatty meal.
- Upper Abdomen – That could radiate to Right Shoulder or back.
- Hip – Right or back portion
Causes Of Pain
- Formation of Gallbladder Stones (Gallstones – lumps of cholesterol mainly) during pregnancy is due to the presence of higher levels of Estrogen hormone, in turn, leads to a spike in cholesterol levels in Bile ( stored by Gallbladder )
- Even, increased Bilirubin due to liver damage or in blood disorders ( liver killing red blood cells )
can lead to hard dark brownstones in the gallbladder - For a proper health and functioning of the gallbladder, it should get emptied in time, otherwise its
high concentration will result in gallstones. - Weight gain during pregnancy is an add-on factor
- High fat containing and less fibre dietary intake during pregnancy is another important factor
- If Obese individual.
- Passing stool ( meconium ) before birth.
Symptoms Of Pain
- Slow, steady or mild pain ( Silent Gallstones ) to severe, intense and unbearable pain (Gallstones attack ).
- Gallstones during pregnancy results in acute cholecystitis, characterized with
– Itching ( most common and likely because of the stretched belly )
– Dark coloured urine
– Nausea
– Jaundice (yellow tint over skin or eyes)
– Fiver - Irregular Intense and sudden pain in gallbladder region when pregnant often felt at upper right or middle part of your stomach as sometimes in the chest or above right shoulder blade, also on side and back of hip.Based on such symptoms it can be categorized as Silent gallstones or Gallstones
attacks - Other associated ones are Nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, dark-coloured urine and itching.
If such symptoms of gall bladder pain when pregnant are existing , seek a medical advice as soon as possible to avoid any further severity or emergency condition.
Diagnosis For Gallbladder Pain
Ultrasound – Commonly used by doctors as its considered safe during pregnancy period gallstones. It is the most common investigation ( may not for CT Scan during Pregnancy ) a doctor recommends this test for gall bladder pain during pregnancy ( or even without pregnancy )
Investigations like X-rays ( Gallbladder X-rays ) Computed tomography (CT Scans ), Nuclear scans are inadvisable.
Blood tests mainly for infection detection due to gallstones presence for Bile ducts, Pancreatitis.
Preventive Measures For Avoiding Gallstones, In turn, Gallbladder Pain
The major focus should be given to measures to avoid gallstones formation during pregnancy ( can be mentioned as, Gallbladder diet during pregnancy)
- Low-Fat Containing Diet – Avoid Saturated fats (like fried foods ) intake (preferably move for unsaturated, omega-3 kind of fats )
- Optimal Fibre Rich Diet – Fibre content should be appropriate, neither high nor low. It helps in proper bowel movements.
- Weight Loss Methods – During pregnancy, it’s not recommendable to follow strict weight-loss measures, only, under advise from consultant one can go for a light practice.
Management of Gallbladder Pain During Pregnancy
Here, we are mentioning treatment modalities to adopt ( including exercises ). Treatment aspects depend upon the severity of the condition and ongoing duration of pregnancy like,
First Trimester: Mild Medications to relieve pain during the first trimester and while the severity of pain, intravenous fluid replacement could be given under hospitalisation to reduce or get rid of intense pain ( Such things to be taken under strict observation of your physician only )
Second Trimester: Pregnancy is not safe for any surgical processes to perform on a pregnant woman, as there would be a risk development for the baby. So, on a safer side, a technique called Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is advised ( usually during the second trimester ).
Third Trimester: In unavoidable conditions, during third trimester of pregnancy, Open Cholecystectomy could be done, without damaging the uterus.
ERCP – Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography is a procedure consisting of a small camera attached to the end of a thin and flexible tube passed from bile duct for the purpose of proper viewing of gallstones and their removal from there.
Yoga: A regular light fitness regime ( like Yoga ) to be followed with recommended exercise patterns from a professional under consultant advise, in conjunction with weight-management.
One needs to look for proper management of pre-existing illnesses especially diabetes during pregnancy, as they may complicate the situation of gallbladder pain management.
When To Consult Doctor
When you feel that kind of a pain, do not mistake it for any other reason, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy ( like morning sickness ). Do visit your consultant in time and follow the prescription as advised ( mainly medications )
If pain does exist after the first trimester, the doctor may perform an ultrasound for gallstones investigations. The laparoscopic surgical technique may be performed.
Gallbladder pain during the third trimester of pregnancy is usually not safe for any surgical treatment and the doctor will not recommend the same. You will be given a walkout or a delayed treatment modality ( that is post-delivery )
Medically Reviewed By
