Can the expectant mother go for an operation to remove appendix?
If the mother is having acute appendicitis during pregnancy, it will not only be causing pain to the mother but affects fetal development too.
Appendicitis is one of the common complications of pregnancy. However, pregnancy does not induce appendicitis.
The cause of appendicitis is a luminal obstruction in your intestine. In addition, eating habits, genetic factors and gastrointestinal dysfunction may induce appendicitis.
During pregnancy, the growing uterus may compress the intestine, affecting intestinal peristalsis, which causes the onset of appendicitis, but it is not that pregnancy will induce appendicitis.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis caused during pregnancy?
Early pregnancy:
Symptoms and signs are similar to acute appendicitis in non-pregnancy, it presents with fever, nausea, vomiting, and lower abdominal pain. Pain will be present in the right lower abdomen and the rebound tenderness test will be positive too.
Middle and late pregnancy:
The enlarged uterus causes the appendix to shift, and the tender point will be discovered during the examination. The most painful part of the tenderness can even move to the right upper quadrant area of the abdomen. The appendix might even be hidden deep in the abdomen due to the growing uterus in the abdomen.
What are the risks of appendicitis during pregnancy?
Appendicitis can also cause fetal growth retardation, low body weight and congenital malformations, increasing the chances of preterm birth and miscarriage. Once appendicitis get worsens and perforation occurs, it can cause peritonitis and even life-threatening.
Can pregnant women have acute appendicitis?
Once acute appendicitis in pregnancy is diagnosed, it should be treated as soon as possible after active anti-infective treatment, especially in the middle and late stages of pregnancy.
During the operation, the doctor will also use medications which are safe for the mother and the baby.
Therefore, mothers should not be too worried.
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“Empower your parenting journey with Mama Net! Whether you’re just starting your journey into parenthood or are a seasoned pro, Download our app for free on the App Store and Google Playstore for access to certified content, interactive tools, and a community of supportive parents and mothers.”
