Gall bladder removal treats the pain, discomfort, nausea and digestion disorders associated with gallstones and an overactive gall bladder. However, if you're currently pregnant, you're probably worried about the safety of your child and want to delay the procedure. Nevertheless, sometimes you simply have no choice.
The First and Second Trimester
The second trimester is the ideal time for any medical procedure and gall bladder removal is no exception. During the first trimester, you will be at greater risk for miscarriage and your doctor may recommend that you wait a few weeks or months until the baby is in less danger during this fairly invasive procedure.
During the second trimester, the uterus is also not yet big enough to block the path to removing the gallbladder via the safer laparoscopic methods. (Laparoscopic surgery uses a camera and minimal incisions to reduce the risk of infection.)
The Third Trimester
If you are already in your third trimester and the doctor recommends that the gall bladder removal cannot wait, you can still have the procedure, although there will be greater risk and it will be more difficult. The uterus will be too large, making laparoscopic surgery impossible. You will only be able to have open surgery, which is riskier. When you are this close to giving birth, your physician will attempt to manage the symptoms until after you have given birth if at all possible to avoid surgery.
If you and your doctor decide that you can wait to have the gall bladder removal procedure performed after you have given birth, you may be able to control the symptoms with medications and/or a change in your diet until then. However, if your doctor recommends that you proceed, you can still safely have the procedure, particularly during your second trimester.
