Pregnant women can develop gallstones, along with morning sickness, stretch marks, and swollen feet. Preventive measures reduce pregnancy side effects.

Dr. Srikanth Gadiyaram, with 20+ years of experience, says pregnant women are at higher risk due to increased estrogen levels. Postpartum weight changes raise the risk. High estrogen levels can cause gallstones by raising bile cholesterol.

Bile is a cholesterol-rich liquid made by the liver, containing cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile salts. The gallbladder stores and releases bile. Gallstones form in the gallbladder due to imbalanced bile composition, including excess cholesterol or bilirubin and a deficiency of bile salts.

Symptoms of Gallstones During Pregnancy

Gallstones may be asymptomatic and can resolve spontaneously after postpartum. However, some  potential gallbladder symptoms are that you must look for

• Persistent and intense pain in the abdomen, particularly in the upper right side of the stomach
• Pain in the abdomen that radiates to the right shoulder and back.
• Prolonged abdominal pain for more than five hours.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever or chills.
• Jaundice
• Clay-colored stools.

Treatment

Dr. Srikanth Gadiyaram may recommend surgery or monitoring for gallstones based on symptoms and test results.

Treatment Options during

1. First trimester

Surgery is usually discouraged, except in exceptional cases. During the first trimester, fetal exposure to surgical medications can increase the risk of congenital abnormalities. Surgery will be postponed if possible until the second trimester or after childbirth.

2. Second trimester

It’s the safest period for performing surgery. Laparoscopy is the preferred method for performing the procedure due to its simplicity and shorter healing period, in contrast to the more intricate and time-consuming open incision approach.

3. Third trimester

Dr. Gadiyaram may advise against surgery due to challenges with the enlarged uterus and laparoscopic technique. Preterm labor is more likely in the third trimester. Gallbladder removal may be recommended after childbirth.

Prevent Gallstones During Pregnancy

Take preventive measures like Maintaining a healthy body weight, consuming a balanced diet low in cholesterol and high in fiber, and engaging in regular physical activity.

To mitigate the risk of gallstones during pregnancy, consider the following measures:

1. Weight Management: – Obesity increases gallstone risk in women. Avoid weight-loss diets during pregnancy. Collaborating with a healthcare professional can help prevent excessive weight gain.
2. High-fiber diet. Low fiber intake increases the risk of gallstone formation.Choose healthy fats. Monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fats prevent gallstones, while saturated fats promote their development.
3. Cut back on sugar and refined carbs. Eating sugar and refined flour products increases the risk of gallstones. These foods provide empty calories that are unnecessary for you or your baby.
4. Managing diabetes. Diabetic individuals often have high triglyceride levels, which can increase the risk of gallstone formation. Work with your healthcare provider to manage diabetes while pregnant.

Pregnancy stomach discomfort is common and has many causes. Call us at 8880837000 or 9880105829 to book an appointment for pain or discomfort. This is especially true if you have other symptoms indicating a more serious condition, like gallstones.