Gallbladder problems during pregnancy

I suspect I have gallbladder problems (Dr said it's either that or heartburn, but I really don't think it's heartburn). I've never had issues with my gallbladder before in my life... and from what I read I gather it's not an uncommon thing in pregnancy.

My question is, if you've had gallbladder problems during pregnancy (whether stones or inflammation or whatever), were you able to deal with it without having surgery? The prospect of having surgery while pregnant truly frightens me, but I don't know if I can go through several more months of the pain...

Re: Gallbladder problems during pregnancy

I didn't experience gallbladder problems until after my son was born but I know how painful it is. Have you had a sono to check for stones? I dealt with my gall bladder issue for 4 months before I found out what was causing it. I had stones in my gall bladder and in my bile duct. When they went into my bile duct, they caused liver issues for me and became critical but my situation was rare. I had surgery to remove the stones and my gall bladder.

If you can find out if you have stones and how big they are, you can make a decision on what you need to do. FM me if you have any questions.

Re: Gallbladder problems during pregnancy

FM Couponmom

She had gallbladder problems, but didn't have surgery until after her DS was born.

Re: Gallbladder problems during pregnancy

I have pre-existing gall stones. However I haven't had a gall bladder attack and for the most part am asymptomatic.

Before even getting pregnant I had met with my Dr. and a surgeon regarding the gallstones and they didn't even want to operate at that point because of the two reasons I listed.

They do need to do an abdominal ultrasound to check the size and position of the gallstones.

I'm 31weeks now and am hoping to continue asymptomatic.

Re: Gallbladder problems during pregnancy

I was in the SAME boat!

I had attacks all throughout my pregnancy and the only way they "treated" it was I had to go into the hospital and get painkillers while the attack was happening so I didn't feel the pain. As much as I wanted the surgery while I was pregnant (just to stop the attacks), the doctors would not do it because of the risk.

I had my gallbladder out when DS was 5 weeks. They wanted to wait until 4 months after I had him, but the attacks started back up, so it just had to be done. I am totally glad I waited until I had him because after the surgery I STILL had an attack (how you ask?) because I had stones in my ducts which were outside of the gallbladder they removed. So, I had to have an ERCP procedure done where they went down my throat to get that stone out. That procedure required me to lay on my stomach (5 wks PP and 3 days post surgery ) to have that done.

I could go on and on about my story. It was QUITE an experience. If you have any questions, let me know - I feel like a pro!

I will mark this thread so I will see if you respond or you can FM me. I hope I can help

Re: Gallbladder problems during pregnancy

I had attacks all through my pregnancy as well - in addition to 30 weeks of morning sickness.

I refused to take painkillers so I just worked through the pain. (Now that I've experienced both, i can honestly say it was more painful that giving birth with no pain meds.)

I had surgery 3 mos post-partum and haven't had any issues at ALL since.

My issues weren't gallstones - I had a leaky bile duct. My duct and gallbladder were removed together semi-laparoscopically. I say "semi" because I don't have tiny little incisions - I have 3 little ones, and 2 that are larger than 2" each.

Message edited 2/11/2010 9:40:43 PM.

Re: Gallbladder problems during pregnancy

I think I have issues as well. Doc said that I could have a sono to check it out. I have just been dealing with the pain so far. I am going for a growth sono next week and I am going to ask the tecj if she can look. I bet she won't be able too and I'll have to go back, but I'll try! My is almost under my right boob. At first I thought it was a bra issue

Re: Gallbladder problems during pregnancy

I have a friend that had to get her gall bladder removed 2 days after giving birth. Came home and had to go back to the hospital.