Gallstones During Pregnancy
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.
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
By Age
What to expect by age
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.
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 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
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Maternal Concerns
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.
Dealing with Abnormal Prenatal Screening Results
An abnormal prenatal screening result can be terrifying, but it is important to understand that screening tests are designed to cast a wide net and have significant false-positive rates. Most people with abnormal screening results go on to have healthy babies after further testing confirms the baby is fine. An abnormal screening is a reason for more information, not a diagnosis.
Pregnancy Over 35 (Advanced Maternal Age)
While pregnancy after 35 carries some increased risks (including chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, and hypertension), the vast majority of people over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. The term "geriatric pregnancy" is outdated and does not reflect reality. With appropriate prenatal care and monitoring, outcomes are excellent.
Amniocentesis Questions and Fears
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test performed between 15-20 weeks that analyzes amniotic fluid to detect chromosomal conditions and genetic disorders with over 99% accuracy. The risk of pregnancy loss from the procedure is approximately 1 in 500-1,000 when performed by an experienced provider. Understanding the actual risks can help you make an informed decision.
20-Week Anatomy Scan Unexpected Findings
The 20-week anatomy scan checks your baby's major organs, structures, and growth. Most scans are completely normal. When unexpected findings are identified, they range from minor variants that resolve on their own to conditions that need further evaluation. Many findings require nothing more than a follow-up ultrasound to confirm the baby is developing well.