5 Effective Tips To Get Pregnant If You Have PCOS
Apr 17, 2025By Seema Khanna
Pregnancy brings many changes to a woman’s body, and sometimes, those changes come with a bit of discomfort. Gallbladder pain is one such concern.Â
Read below this article to explore what gallbladder pain during pregnancy is, why it happens, and treatment.
What Is Gallbladder Pain?
The gallbladder is a small organ under your liver. It helps your body digest fat by storing and releasing bile. During pregnancy, this process can slow down, which may lead to gallstones—small and hard stones made from cholesterol and bile.
When these gallstones block the gallbladder’s flow of bile, it causes pain. This pain is usually felt in the upper right side of the belly, just below the ribs. Sometimes, it can also feel like a sharp pain in the back or shoulder.
Why Does It Happen During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy hormones—especially progesterone—slow down how your body moves food and bile. This makes it easier for gallstones to form. In fact, studies show that about 12 percent of pregnant women develop gallstones. Gallbladder issues are more likely in the second or third trimester.
Other risk factors include:
- A high-fat diet
- Gaining a lot of weight quickly during pregnancy
- Family history of gallstones
- Having had previous pregnancies
Common Symptoms
Here are a few common signs of gallbladder pain you need to look out for:
- Sudden pain in the upper right belly or middle of the stomach
- Pain that lasts several hours
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever or chills (in case of infection)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (a sign of blocked bile ducts)
If your pain is severe or doesn’t go away, seek your doctor immediately.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors often use an ultrasound to check for gallstones. It’s safe during pregnancy and helps your doctor see what’s happening in your gallbladder. In some cases, a blood test may also be needed to look for signs of infection or inflammation.
Most gallbladder issues during pregnancy are treated without surgery. Here are some common measures your doctor might suggest:
- Diet changes where you are asked to eat smaller meals, reduce fatty or fried foods, and increase fiber. This will actually help your body digest more easily.
- Your doctor may recommend safe pain medications for pain relief, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
- Drink plenty of water to help your body process bile and reduce the risk of gallstones.
If symptoms are severe and don’t get better, surgery might be considered. Gallbladder removal is usually done through a simple laparoscopic procedure and is considered safe in the second trimester, if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Gallbladder pain during pregnancy can be stressful. With the right care, most women are able to manage it without major problems. If you’re feeling pain or noticing unusual symptoms, always check in with your doctor.
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