How common is it to have appendicitis while pregnant?



Appendicitis can occur at anytime, without prior warning, and is the most common extra-uterine emergency during pregnancy that needs immediate surgical intervention. It is caused by the inflammation of the appendix and is accompanied by acute abdominal pain originating from the centre of the abdomen and localizing in the lower right side of the abdomen. An obstruction in the appendix lumen leads to a buildup of mucus in the appendix, resulting in a swelling which exerts pressure on the walls of the appendix. It is also accompanied by bacterial growth. If not diagnosed and treated immediately, the buildup can lead to rupture or a burst appendix. This causes septicemia and can be fatal.

In pregnant women, diagnosing appendicitis may be difficult. Drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and loss of appetite are symptoms of appendicitis, but are also commonly experienced during the normal course of pregnancy. Fever is another symptom of appendicitis. In some pregnant women, depending on the pressure exerted by the fetus and the position of the fetus, there could be a slight, persistent pain in the lower abdomen or the pain may be restricted to a part of the abdomen. Women may also experience pain due to false labor. Because these symptoms are so similar to those experienced due to appendicitis, there is often a delay is diagnosing the condition correctly as appendicitis.

An intensive examination is highly recommended to ascertain the cause of the symptoms experienced by the expectant mother. If diagnosed with appendicitis during pregnancy, consulting your gynecologist is recommended on an urgent basis as any medication or surgical procedure can result in complications and can affect the fetus and the mother adversely. However, a delay in diagnosis or treatment increases the risk to both mother and fetus tremendously. Immediate surgical removal of the inflamed appendix prevents any further complications and is the key to saving both the mother and the baby and is recommended by most doctors. Studies show that in many cases, surgeries involving the removal of the inflamed appendix during pregnancy have been successful, without causing any harm to the mother or fetus.

Drinking a spoonful of an extract made by soaking green gram in water overnight, thrice a day, is believed to be an effective home remedy for treating appendicitis. To suppress the inflammation, tea made by boiling a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a liter of water is also said to be beneficial. Buttermilk is also believed to treat chronic appendicitis. Cucumber, carrot and beet juice in a 3:3:1 proportion may suppress appendicitis. However, a delay in diagnosis or treatment increases the risk to both mother and fetus tremendously. Immediate surgical removal of the inflamed appendix prevents any further complications and is the key to saving both the mother and the baby and is recommended by most doctors. Studies show that in many cases, surgeries involving the removal of the inflamed appendix during pregnancy have been successful, without causing any harm to the mother or fetus.

answered by G M


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