Appendix

Pregnancy

Nanie Wardhani | Haibunda

Tuesday, 17 Oct 2023 21:05 IWST

Appendicitis or appendicitis is inflammation that occurs in the appendix. The appendix itself is part of the large intestine which is located in the lower right part of the abdomen. Therefore, when someone feels pain in the lower right part of the abdomen, this is often the main sign of possible appendicitis.

Appendicitis can happen to anyone at any time, including during pregnancy. One of the main challenges when dealing with appendicitis during pregnancy is that diagnosis is often delayed. Due to the physical changes that occur in the body during pregnancy, diagnosing appendicitis can be difficult. It is easier to diagnose appendicitis during pregnancy in the first and second trimesters.

It is important to detect this condition early because the longer the diagnosis is delayed, the greater the risk of complications, especially appendix perforation. If perforation occurs, the risk of fetal death can increase to almost 36 percent. Serious complications of appendicitis during pregnancy tend to be more likely to occur in the third trimester.

However, appendicitis during pregnancy is relatively rare.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Appendicitis During Pregnancy

Launch Very Well Family, lower right pain is the most common symptom of appendicitis, both in people who are pregnant and not. However, at the end of pregnancy, pain may occur in the upper abdomen due to the position of the appendix which becomes higher due to fetal pressure.

If the doctor suspects that appendicitis may be the cause of pain during your pregnancy, then you will be asked to have an ultrasound. This method is quite accurate, with an accuracy rate of around 86 percent.

However, diagnosing appendicitis can become more difficult in the third trimester of pregnancy, and in these situations, your doctor may recommend an MRI scan or CT scan to help confirm the diagnosis.

Appendectomy during pregnancy

If it turns out that a pregnant woman is diagnosed with acute appendicitis, then the only treatment option is surgery. The operation to remove the appendix, also known as an appendectomy, needs to be done as soon as possible to prevent the appendix from rupturing, which can have fatal consequences for the mother and fetus.

These complications include rupture of the appendix and infection spreading throughout the abdominal cavity, miscarriage, premature birth, and the baby dying in the womb.

If you are pregnant in the first or second trimester, you will be advised to undergo laparoscopic appendectomy. This method is relatively minimal in pain and scars, so that mothers can recover more quickly and return to their normal activities.

However, laparoscopic surgery is not possible if your pregnancy is in the third trimester. Because the large size of the fetus will make it difficult for the procedure to run smoothly. So, you will be advised to undergo open appendectomy surgery to remove the appendix.

You need to know, even though it is considered safe, appendectomy during pregnancy still carries the risk of complications. These complications can include bleeding, wound infection, intestinal blockage, injury to nearby organs, and even premature labor.

Recovery from Appendectomy During Pregnancy

Generally, other people with appendicitis can undergo outpatient treatment after several days of recovery in the hospital. However, pregnant women who undergo surgery to remove the appendix usually undergo longer treatment than people who are not pregnant. This is determined by the condition of the pregnant woman and the fetus in the womb. If both are declared healthy, then you may continue outpatient treatment.

If you are allowed to go home, when you get home limit activities that are quite burdensome for about a week. Especially if there are complications or signs of premature labor.

Also remember to eat nutritious foods, especially foods high in protein. Carry out routine checks with the surgeon who performed the operation. Usually, a control visit to the surgeon is carried out within 1-2 weeks after surgery. Apart from that, pregnant women also need to be checked by a gynecologist to ensure the condition of the fetus.

This is information about appendicitis in pregnant women, starting from the causes, signs, and how to deal with it. Hopefully it will help you have a healthy pregnancy.

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2023-10-17 14:05:39
#Appendicitis #Pregnancy #Symptoms #Impact #Fetus #Surgical #Treatment