Appendicitis during pregnancy, how to deal with it? & bull; hello healthy

Do you often experience sudden pain in your lower abdomen during pregnancy? We recommend that you do not ignore this condition. The reason is this could be a sign of appendicitis. Although rare, appendicitis during pregnancy is very likely. So, how do you fix it? And will your condition affect the health of the fetus in the womb? Read on to find out the answer.

What is appendicitis?

Appendicitis or the medical language called appendicitis is an inflammation that occurs in the appendix. The appendix itself is a part of the large intestine located in the lower right abdomen. That is why, if someone complains of pain in the lower right abdomen, this is the main suspicion for appendicitis.

The pain that occurs due to appendicitis is intermittent. But generally it will feel worse and more intense. Not only that, the pain in this part of the stomach will also get worse when you take deep breaths, cough, sneeze, walk, or movements that put pressure on the lower right abdomen.

What is the impact on the baby in the womb if the mother has appendicitis during pregnancy?

Left untreated, appendicitis during pregnancy can put you at risk for miscarriage and preterm birth. Especially if you have entered an old pregnancy, or in the third trimester. This is because the inflamed appendix can damage the intestinal wall which can cause a perforated intestine so that the contents of the intestine which contain lots of germs come out into the abdominal cavity.

As a result, there will be inflammation in the inside of the stomach and eventually the germs enter the entire body causing very dangerous complications. Now, if this situation occurs, it will be dangerous for both mother and child.

How to deal with appendicitis during pregnancy?

The most important thing you can do if you experience symptoms of appendicitis, such as abdominal pain in the lower right, is to see a doctor immediately.

The doctor may give antibiotics if the appendix experienced by pregnant women is still a mild stage. However, if it has entered an acute status, surgery will be the only way out. If you are in the first or second trimester, doctors can simply perform laparoscopic surgery. But if you are in the third trimester, you may need surgery with a larger incision.

But, is appendectomy safe for the fetus?

Yes. The reason is if the surgeon has said that it must be operated on, then the operation must be carried out. Planning an appendectomy during pregnancy will involve your obstetrician and anesthetist so that the patient's uterus does not contract during the operation, for example by administering medication.

Although about 80% of women who have appendectomy have premature contractions. But, don't worry. Most women don't have preterm labor because of these contractions. They managed to continue their pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy baby. So, appendectomy during pregnancy is safe to do, as long as you are responsive to this condition. That is why, if you complain of symptoms of appendicitis during pregnancy, immediately consult a doctor so you can get the right treatment.