Appendicitis occurs when the appendix, the small tube-like structure attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed and swollen. Approximately seven percent of the population will have appendicitis during their lifetime, according to the Canadian Family Physician. During pregnancy, appendicitis can cause serious complications for the mother and baby if it is not treated immediately. Pregnant women with appendicitis usually develop it during the second trimester of pregnancy. If treatment is delayed, the appendix may burst, increasing the risk of infection or death.
Abdominal Pain
A common symptom of appendicitis during pregnancy is abdominal pain, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. A Pregnant women may notice a dull pain in the lower abdomen that does not go away on its own and gradually increases until the pain is intolerable. These women may notice that the pain occurs near their navel and worsens as the day progresses. Pregnant women with appendicitis may experience intense abdominal pain when they move, take deep breaths, cough, sneeze or when the abdomen is pressed.
Fever
Fever is a common symptom of appendicitis in pregnancy, according to the website Healthline. Pregnant women may experience an elevated body temperature as the inflammation in the abdomen increases. If a pregnant woman does not seek immediate medical attention, she increases the risk of serious pregnancy complications such as death, premature birth, or birth defects.
Gastrointestinal Problems
During pregnancy, women with appendicitis may experience an increase in gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, according to California’s Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clinic. Some women may become constipated and unable to pass gas. While these symptoms are common during pregnancy, they can also be a symptom of appendicitis if combined with abdominal pain, tenderness and a continuously high fever. Some pregnant women may also notice that their abdomen appears to be swollen or larger than it should be at their stage of pregnancy.
