Gallstones During Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with gallstones during pregnancy, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Gallstones are more common during pregnancy due to elevated estrogen and progesterone, which increase cholesterol in bile and slow gallbladder emptying. They affect 5-12% of pregnant people. Many gallstones cause no symptoms, but gallbladder attacks can cause severe pain in the upper right abdomen and may require treatment.
Key takeaways
- Gallstones are more common during pregnancy due to elevated estrogen and progesterone, which increase cholesterol in bile and slow gallbladder emptying. They affect 5-12% of pregnant people. Many gallstones cause no symptoms, but gallbladder attacks can cause severe pain in the upper right abdomen and may require treatment.
- Usually normal when: Mild upper abdominal discomfort related to eating that resolves quickly
- Call your doctor if: Severe persistent upper right abdominal pain with fever and chills - possible gallbladder infection (cholecystitis)
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What Parents Should Know
According to ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines, gallstones are more common during pregnancy due to elevated estrogen and progesterone, which increase cholesterol in bile and slow gallbladder emptying. They affect 5-12% of pregnant people. Many gallstones cause no symptoms, but gallbladder attacks can cause severe pain in the upper right abdomen and may require treatment. At Second trimester, gallstone symptoms may develop as hormonal changes peak. Typical symptoms include sudden severe pain in the upper right abdomen or between the shoulder blades, often after eating fatty foods. Pain may last 30 minutes to several hours. If you develop these symptoms, contact your provider. Ultrasound can safely diagnose gallstones during pregnancy. It is generally considered normal when mild upper abdominal discomfort related to eating that resolves quickly. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if severe persistent upper right abdominal pain with fever and chills - possible gallbladder infection (cholecystitis).
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
Second trimester
Gallstone symptoms may develop as hormonal changes peak. Typical symptoms include sudden severe pain in the upper right abdomen or between the shoulder blades, often after eating fatty foods. Pain may last 30 minutes to several hours. If you develop these symptoms, contact your provider. Ultrasound can safely diagnose gallstones during pregnancy.
Third trimester
Gallstone complications become more common in the third trimester. If conservative management (low-fat diet, pain management) is insufficient and you have recurrent attacks or complications, gallbladder surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) can be safely performed during pregnancy, ideally in the second trimester but possible at any stage when medically necessary.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed gallstones during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if episodes of upper right abdominal pain after eating, especially fatty foods.
- Mention if recurring pain that lasts more than 30 minutes.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Mild upper abdominal discomfort related to eating that resolves quickly
- Known gallstones found incidentally on ultrasound without symptoms
- Episodes of upper right abdominal pain after eating, especially fatty foods
- Recurring pain that lasts more than 30 minutes
- Nausea and vomiting unrelated to morning sickness
- Severe persistent upper right abdominal pain with fever and chills - possible gallbladder infection (cholecystitis)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe pain that does not resolve within a few hours
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice gallstones during pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that mild upper abdominal discomfort related to eating that resolves quickly — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At Second trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if severe persistent upper right abdominal pain with fever and chills - possible gallbladder infection (cholecystitis).
Related Conditions
Severe Heartburn and GERD in Pregnancy
Heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux) is extremely common in pregnancy, affecting up to 80% of pregnant people. It is caused by the hormone progesterone relaxing the valve between the stomach and esophagus, and by the growing uterus pushing up against the stomach. While very uncomfortable, it is not harmful to you or your baby.
Rib Pain From Baby Kicking
Rib pain during pregnancy is common in the third trimester and is caused by the expanding uterus pushing against the rib cage, hormonal loosening of rib joints, and the baby kicking or pressing against the ribs. While uncomfortable, it is usually harmless and resolves after the baby drops lower or after delivery.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is gallstones during pregnancy normal?
When should I call the doctor about gallstones during pregnancy?
When is gallstones during pregnancy normal?
What causes gallstones during pregnancy?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about gallstones during pregnancy?
Is gallstones during pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
Is gallstones during pregnancy normal at Third trimester?
Should I go to the ER for gallstones during pregnancy?
Does gallstones during pregnancy go away on its own?
References
- [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Nonobstetric Surgery During Pregnancy. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 775, 2019. ACOG
- [2]National Library of Medicine. Gallstones in Pregnancy. StatPearls, 2023. NIH
- [3]March of Dimes. Gallstones During Pregnancy. March of Dimes, 2023. March of Dimes
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Gallstones During Pregnancy.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed gallstones during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if episodes of upper right abdominal pain after eating, especially fatty foods.
- Mention if recurring pain that lasts more than 30 minutes.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Episodes of upper right abdominal pain after eating, especially fatty foods
- Recurring pain that lasts more than 30 minutes
- Nausea and vomiting unrelated to morning sickness
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Severe persistent upper right abdominal pain with fever and chills - possible gallbladder infection (cholecystitis)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe pain that does not resolve within a few hours
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of gallstones during pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if severe persistent upper right abdominal pain with fever and chills - possible gallbladder infection (cholecystitis).
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Severe Heartburn and GERD in Pregnancy
Heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux) is extremely common in pregnancy, affecting up to 80% of pregnant people. It is caused by the hormone progesterone relaxing the valve between the stomach and esophagus, and by the growing uterus pushing up against the stomach. While very uncomfortable, it is not harmful to you or your baby.
Rib Pain From Baby Kicking
Rib pain during pregnancy is common in the third trimester and is caused by the expanding uterus pushing against the rib cage, hormonal loosening of rib joints, and the baby kicking or pressing against the ribs. While uncomfortable, it is usually harmless and resolves after the baby drops lower or after delivery.
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