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GALLBLADDER DISEASE IS characterized by gallstones, which form
due to an imbalance of hormones or other secretions in the biliary
tract between the liver and small intestine. These stones gather
over time and may eventually cause intense abdominal pain.
Women are twice as likely as men to develop gallstones, and
due to hormonal changes, the condition is very common
during pregnancy.
"The enhanced production of estrogen and
progesterone during pregnancy increases the risk of
gallbladder disease for pregnant women," says Robert
Powell, MD, general surgeon at Longmont United
Hospital. "Gallbladder disease needs to be considered
when a pregnant woman suffers from abdominal
pain and/or nausea and vomiting."
Women experiencing pain related to gallstones
may feel discomfort in the upper abdomen,
especially after eating a fatty meal. Unlike
simple morning sickness, back pain may also
accompany a gallbladder episode.
"We typically recommend that women eat
a healthy diet since pregnancy can pose as a
major risk factor for gallbladder disease," says
Amy Johnson, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist
with Milestone Medical Group. "Women should not
discount any pain or discomfort because there are a
number of conditions that could be causing the pain…
One of these is preeclampsia,
which can present with the same
symptoms and is characterized
by elevated blood pressure.
This condition, if severe,
would require delivery."
MANAGED WITH
EXTRA MONITORING
Most women may be able
to manage gallbladder disease
throughout their pregnancy with
lifestyle modifications and close
monitoring from their obstetrics
specialist.
Th Mori Sickess?
Many women experience upset stomach and nausea when they're first expecting. Prolonged bouts of stomach pain could be
a sign of something more serious—gallbladder disease.
More
LONGMONT UNITED HOSPITAL SPRING 2014
