Cholecystitis is an inflammatory disease of the gallbladder with the likelihood of the formation of stones (calculi) in it. It can be either acute (with a pronounced pain attack) or chronic (with episodic exacerbations). Also, this ailment is not always accompanied by the appearance of stones, but if it is not cured in time, then its formation is possible as a complication.
Why does Cholecystitis occur in pregnant women?
Pregnancy is one of the risk factors for the development of the disease, since during this period a woman’s hormonal levels seriously change, which can be one of the reasons for the formation of cholecystitis.
Factors provoking the appearance of this disease:
- Predisposition to the appearance of the disease
- Infection due to improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
- Cholecystitis was in a chronic form and did not cause inconvenience, but worsened during pregnancy
- Previously diagnosed with gallstone disease
- Stagnation of bile against the background of changes in hormone levels
- Violation of the outflow of bile due to a change in the physical position of the gallbladder, it’s squeezing, and displacement by other organs
According to statistics, pregnant women in the third trimester, as well as middle-aged patients, are most susceptible to the development of cholecystitis.
Signs of Cholecystitis in Pregnant Women
Against the background of the generally changed state of the body of a patient who is “in position”, it can be quite difficult to understand that any serious disease has appeared. To avoid complications and discomfort, you need to pay attention to the following symptoms:
- The appearance of nausea and vomiting, as well as bitterness in the mouth
- Excess salivation
- Belching or heartburn with a bitter taste
- Pain and discomfort on the right side under the ribs after eating spicy, fried or salty foods
- An excessively long period of toxicosis (in the normal state it lasts up to 12 weeks, and in the presence of cholecystitis – up to 30)
Exacerbation of Chronic Cholecystitis
The transition of a chronic disease to an acute stage during pregnancy is possible for such reasons:
- Squeezing of the gallbladder by other organs
- The production of certain liver enzymes due to the influence of hormones, which also affects the functioning of the gallbladder
- Distortion of the digestive process
- Bacteria and infection
Treatment: Cholecystitis during pregnancy
If cholecystitis has been diagnosed, then treatment during pregnancy can be of two types:
- Medical
- Surgical
Drug therapy should be prescribed by a qualified doctor since only he will be able to choose those drugs that will help to cope with the disease, but at the same time will not harm the developing fetus.
In a situation where the patient’s condition is critical, and it is not possible to solve the problem with medication, the doctor may prescribe an operation to remove part of the gallbladder. This treatment is used only as a last resort.
An important part of the treatment of cholecystitis is a diet, within which it is necessary to exclude:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Use of tobacco products
- Fried, salty, spicy, smoked food
- Fatty meat, fish
- Seasonings (spicy)
- Dairy products (fatty)
- Legumes
- Coffee
- Chocolate and cocoa products
- Mushrooms
- Carbonated drinks
You should eat 5-6 times a day in small portions:
- Eat fruits, and vegetables (not acidic)
- Dairy products (low fat)
- Boiled or steamed dishes from dietary meats or fish
- Protein omelets
- Unsweetened pastries (bread, cookies)
- Marmalade, dried fruits
You can’t experience serious physical exertion, but at the same time you need to move: do gymnastics, etc. You should also undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation in a sanatorium under the supervision of specialists.
How to treat cholecystitis
With the diagnosis of “cholecystitis“, treatment in pregnant women largely coincides with that in other groups of sick people. Drug therapy should be prescribed by a doctor, since not all drugs for the treatment of this disease can be used. Some of them can adversely affect the fetus.
