Acute abdomen and abdominal pain in pregnancy

Abstract

Abdominal pain in pregnancy poses a diagnostic and management challenge to the attending physician. Many causes are specific to pregnancy, but conditions affecting the non-pregnant woman can also complicate pregnancy. Identifying the cause is influenced by the anatomical and physiological changes of pregnancy. When diagnosis and symptom control fail after 6–8 h a multidisciplinary approach should be considered. The safety and the possibility of a systematic cross-sectional evaluation of the entire abdomen have been important reasons for the use of magnetic resonance imaging in pregnancy with intractable pain. Laparoscopic surgery when appropriate is now proving to be as safe as open surgery in pregnancy. Updating knowledge and assessment skills is essential in the management of abdominal pain in obstetric triage settings.