Gallbladder and Pregnancy

CCFikes · July 2010

So I had no idea that pregnancy could cause gallbladder issues. This is my first pregnancy and I knew heartburn could be bad, I knew there'd be back pain, and BH's. I didn't know that it could be something more. I have a gallbladder u/s Monday. My Dr. thinks I had a gallstone attack. I've never had any issues before. Nervous about what they may or may not find. Anyone else had or having something similar? Now I'm worried about needing gallbladder surgery after delivery. Guess I just need to try and relax and wait to see what they say.

brauchtm · July 2010

didn't have that myself but both my sister's had to have theirs removed after their kids were born. It wasn't fun but both recovered quickly and now live normal, healthy lives.

heatherglen814 · July 2010

Unfortunately, my Mom had to have hers removed after I was born. She said she recovered very quickly and felt much better afterward. Two and a half years later she went through another pregnancy without any issues.

nopegoat · July 2010

I had my first gallbladder attack when I was around 26wks... It was horrible! After about 13hrs of terrible pain I went into L&D and they found out I had gallstones and an inflamed gallbladder wall... They told me that their was nothing they could do this far along in my pregnancy and just told me to stay on this strict diet! (Low fat, low sodium)! It sucked so bad! I only cheated once and boy did I regret it... I ate a hot dog and ended up in L&D after 18hrs of pain then they found out I was in PTL!

Anyways, my surgery is scheduled for Aug 18 and I am sooo excited! I can't wait to be able to eat normal again! As soon as I have fully recovered I think HUGE cheeseburger and the greasiest slice of pizza is definitely in order lol!

Good luck, I hope everything goes well for you!

leroywood · July 2010

while i clearly dont have gallbladder issues... because i had mine taken out 5 years ago... ill just reassure you that the surgery for the removal is nothing at all. laproscopic and a few days of taking it easy then ur back moving around. if it does come to the point of needing to come out atleast take pleasure in knowing its a very simple procedure! good lucki and i hope your attacks stop!

jezebell · July 2010

I had two gallbladder attacks during my first pregnancy. After the first I was put on a low fat diet. I ate naked turkey sandwiches from Subway everyday. I was terrified to eat. They wanted to wait until baby was born to do surgery. However, woke up with the pain 2 weeks later. Ended up back into the hospital. At one point I was given Morphine to get me through the night. I had to have the surgery 5 months prego. Because of the pregnancy, I had to have conventional surgery, not laser. The doctor said I had 1,000 mulberry sized stones in it and it was inflamed and infected. He said he was shocked it hadn't ruptured. Anyway, I recovered and my daughter's 11.

I've known a few people that have had laser surgery to remove their gallbladder. It doesn't even require staying overnight in the hospital. I don't know what purpose the gallbladder really serves but I haven't missed it.

noisy_penguin · July 2010

The gallbladder helps digest fat, but it's not necessary. I had gall stones early in my first pregnancy and while passing a stone it irritated my pancreas and gave me pancreatitis. I was stuck in the hospital for six weeks and heavily medicated. I wasn't allowed to eat for about four weeks. When I reached the 2nd tri I was cleared for surgery and it took awhile for the pancreatitis to go away and for everything to heal.

If they're not going to take it out until after you give birth make sure to follow dietary restrictions until the surgery. I wasn't diagnosed until it was too late and it had already progressed to pancreatitis, and dude, you don't want that. It was the most pain I've ever been in in my life, way worse than labor.

Kris721 · July 2010

Peeking in from 12-24, yes gallstone attacks are WAY MORE PAINFUL than labor. I had to get mine removed after having my daughter.

CCFikes · July 2010

Thanks for all the info ladies! Unfortunately I think I've had my last burger for awhile. I had a Hardees thickburger with fries and a chocolate shake. Apparently that's what brought it on. I was so miserable and woke in the night with terrible back and abdominal pain. It got better but then I was so nauseous and running a low-grade temp so I called the Dr. and they got me right in. Thankfully everything is good with the baby so I was told to do a low-fat, low-salt diet to help manage it until my u/s. I thought pregnancy was when you got to eat what you wanted (to an extent). Lucky me, I guess! Sigh.

DiAnne82 · July 2010

Gallbladder problems are pretty common in pregnancy. I had mine removed three weeks after having DD. It really wasn't too big of a deal. The hardest part for me was regulating BFing . . . I still didn't have a good supply established at three weeks (I was having other BFing issues), and having surgery made it even harder to get an established supply.

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