Many women end up being diagnosed with appendicitis during pregnancy. The problem has no association with pregnancy itself and can occur at any stage of pregnancy, from the first trimester to the third trimester, and when diagnosed quickly there are no risks to the patient.
Even though it is not considered very serious, it is still a worrisome situation, especially concerning a future mom. When a case of appendicitis occurs during pregnancy, every precaution is necessary since both the health of the mother and baby are at stake.

Important Aspects About Appendicitis

Appendicitis occurs due to the inflammation of the appendix, which is a lymphatic organ located at the first part of the large intestine (cecum), found on the right side of the abdomen, where there is retention of fecal matter.
If the appendix ruptures, feces and other microorganisms can spread through the abdominal cavity, which is considered a serious infection. When this occurs during pregnancy, it becomes even more concerning as it puts two lives at risk.
Medical evaluation is very important, especially at the first sign of complaint from the pregnant woman. In addition to the physical examination, several tests are requested to help with the diagnosis. The requested tests for diagnosis are: CT scan, abdominal ultrasound, MRI, and blood tests.

Causes of Appendicitis

The exact cause is still unclear, but some factors should be considered with regards to appendix inflammation. There may be a blockage by fat or feces in the abdominal wall or a viral infection causing a gastrointestinal disease.
In both situations, bacteria settle in the appendix and multiply, causing inflammation and swelling of the appendix, along with pus. It must be treated quickly as the appendix may rupture.
The symptoms and causes in pregnant women can make evaluation difficult. As the uterus grows and organs are pushed upward and to the sides, the signs of an inflamed appendix during pregnancy resemble those in non-pregnant women, but diagnosis can be challenging in this gestational period.

What Are the Risks of an Inflamed Appendix for the Baby and the Mother?

Appendicitis is considered an emergency, especially in pregnant women, as it is a surgical and not an obstetric condition, putting both the mother’s and baby’s lives at risk if not diagnosed properly.
In more severe cases, the pregnant woman may be at risk of miscarriage or preterm birth. There is also the risk of the appendix rupturing and causing inflammation of the peritoneum, which can make fecal matter spread throughout the abdominal cavity, leading to a severe infection that jeopardizes both the mother’s and baby’s lives.

Symptoms of Appendicitis During Pregnancy

The symptoms can be masked and confused with normal pregnancy symptoms, which is very dangerous, as it can delay diagnosis and treatment of the infection. It is very important to recognize these symptoms for early diagnosis and to avoid further complications.

  • Abdominal Pain – Pay attention, this is a very strong pain that starts in the middle of the belly and stretches to near the navel, then moves toward the right side of the abdomen.
  • Nausea and Vomiting – These symptoms can be confused with pregnancy symptoms, so it is important to see a doctor, whether they occur with other symptoms or not.
  • Lack of Appetite – This tends to be very noticeable in these cases.
  • Low Fever – A low fever is one of the signs observed during the inflammation of the appendix.

Be alert to the symptoms, as when the appendix ruptures, the pain can disappear for a brief period, giving a sense of relief and improvement for a while. But as soon as the abdominal cavity becomes inflamed, shifting to a condition called peritonitis, the pain gets much worse and the symptoms become more severe, making it hard to walk or cough.
In this scenario, symptoms may include diarrhea, chills, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, shivering, and fever. It’s important to pay attention to these symptoms. If they persist for more than twelve hours, seek medical attention, since the sooner the diagnosis is made, the quicker treatment can begin to preserve your life and your baby’s.

Appendicitis Surgery During Pregnancy

The solution for appendicitis during pregnancy is surgery, and there are two surgical procedures to remove the appendix. The appendectomy is the conventional procedure or it can be performed via video laparoscopy. The laparoscopic option is a less invasive procedure, causing less pain and promoting a better recovery.

Traditional Surgery

Appendix surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes from thirty minutes to one hour, depending on the procedure. In many cases, traditional surgery is necessary, which involves an abdominal incision, but the doctor will determine the most effective method for your diagnosis.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is generally recommended during the first and second trimesters, and appendectomy is most indicated at the end of pregnancy. After surgery, the pregnant woman will remain hospitalized for about one to three days for observation, and should return home once able to eat solid foods.
For a faster recovery, it is necessary to strictly follow medical advice such as resting, not lifting weight, eating properly, and visiting the clinic for follow-up on healing and to avoid possible post-surgical infections.
Also read: Cramps in Pregnancy – When to Worry Photo: contato1526