Appendicitis occurs during pregnancy at rates that are comparable to the general non pregnant population. In fact, appendicitis and gall bladder surgeries account for the vast majority of all pregnancy unrelated surgeries in pregnant women.
Although appendicitis does happen, it is not very common. The condition occurs in about one in one thousand pregnancies. Although the incidence of appendicitis is about the same whether a woman is pregnant or not, one thing is different during pregnancy, a perforation is more likely.
Diagnosis is often delayed because the earliest symptoms of appendicitis are similar to pregnancy symptoms. This includes nausea, vomiting and a lack of an appetite. Later, symptoms expand to include abdominal pain, fever and either diarrhea or constipation.
The pain may be mistaken for something else, which is due in part to the physical changes of pregnancy. The expanding uterus changes the position of the internal organs, as a result of pressure from the growing uterus. Sometimes appendicitis is mistaken for a kidney infection.
Diagnosis is important before the appendix can rupture. If this does happen, it can be dangerous, or even deadly, for the baby. One in three ruptured appendices result in stillbirth.
While surgery is never a preferred option during pregnancy, in this case, it is generally necessary. The risk to the baby of waiting, and possibly allowing the uterus to rupture, is not one most doctors or parents are willing to take. There is an increased chance of preterm labor with surgery, but the risks are higher to the baby if nothing is done.
If you have abdominal pain in any location, fever, nausea or any other symptoms that could be appendicitis, notify your doctor immediately. If it is after hours and the symptoms are severe, go to the hospital. Getting a prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential to ensuring a safe outcome for mom and baby.
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