How to treat when pregnant women have appendicitis

Normally, a person with appendicitis is very painful and uncomfortable, but when a pregnant woman has appendicitis, things become even more complicated. If not detected early and treated promptly and properly, the patient can give birth prematurely.

During pregnancy, pregnant women have to experience many different pain such as joint pain, muscle pain, back pain ... If unfortunately pregnant women get appendicitis during pregnancy, the pain will be multiplied. Besides the pain, pregnant mothers are very worried because they know that it is not easy to treat appendicitis and can affect the fetus. Appendicitis is rare, but it can actually happen. The following article of aFamilyToday Health will help you better understand this issue.

What is appendicitis?

Many people believe that the appendix does not do anything but cause pain, or is the remains of ancestors to digest plant foods. However, recent studies have shown that the appendix contains good bacteria that help with the digestive tract.

The appendix is ​​on the right side of the abdomen, with one end connected to the large intestine. Though little noticed, once an appendicitis problem develops, it can be life-threatening. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that is filled with pus, causing pain.

The cause of pregnant women with appendicitis

Appendicitis can happen to anyone and at any time, pregnant or not. Here are the main reasons why pregnant women get appendicitis:

1. Infections
An infection of the stomach can affect the appendix, causing inflammation.

2. Obstruction
Occasionally, a hard lump of stool can get stuck in the appendix, causing inflammation.

Symptoms of appendicitis

Appendicitis is very rare in pregnant women, but it can still happen. If you have the following symptoms, see your doctor to have them checked:

1. Abdominal pain

The most common symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain. Check to see if you feel pain in the right side of your lower abdomen. These pains are getting worse. If this is the case, go to the hospital immediately. The pain of appendicitis increases over time and puts pressure on other parts of the body.

2. Abdominal pain associated with Vaginal Bleeding

The bleeding during pregnancy is always something that you have to keep in mind. If the bleeding is accompanied by severe pain in the right abdomen, go to the hospital. These are signs that you need immediate medical attention.

3. Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms during pregnancy. However, if the nausea is accompanied by pain in the lower right abdomen, then it is likely that you have appendicitis.

4. Fever

Appendicitis is always accompanied by a high fever. If you have a high fever, see your doctor to have it checked.

5. Swelling

Appendicitis can also sometimes cause swelling in your abdomen. During pregnancy, this symptom will be difficult to notice.

Diagnosis of appendicitis

To determine if you have appendicitis, you need to go to the hospital. If your doctor suspects you have this disease, you will be asked to have a blood test and ultrasound. Ultrasound is the best way to identify appendicitis.

Treatment of appendicitis during pregnancy

How to treat is always a matter of concern for every mother because she is worried about whether the disease affects her baby. You should go to the hospital for a diagnosis as soon as possible. If you delay, not only you but your baby will also be in danger. For treatment, the doctor will use the following 2 ways:

1. Antibiotics

If you have only mild symptoms and your doctor sees no danger, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. This will be done with an intravenous method for best results.

2. Surgery

If you get severe, your doctor will order an appendectomy. If you are in the early or middle stages of pregnancy, your doctor will have laparoscopic surgery. However, if you are in the terminal stage, you will need a major surgery.

After surgery, you need to take good care of yourself. If you are more than 24 weeks pregnant, your doctor will monitor how your baby is responding to the surgery. About 80% of surgical women experience contractions and about 5-14% of women with appendicitis deliver premature birth. If you accidentally get appendicitis during pregnancy, see your doctor right away. In addition to the doctor who specializes in treating your appendix, you can also ask an obstetrician to help you. In cases where preterm birth is indicated, the doctor may inject the baby with a lung maturation drug.