women s health issues
Disorders That Require Surgery During Pregnancy
Obstruction of the intestine
During pregnancy, a blockage in the intestine ( Intestinal Obstruction ) can be very serious. If obstruction leads to gangrene of the intestine and peritonitis (inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity), the woman may miscarry and her life is endangered. Exploratory surgery is usually done promptly when pregnant women have symptoms of intestinal obstruction, particularly if they have had abdominal surgery or an abdominal infection. Symptoms of intestinal obstruction include cramping abdominal pain, loss of appetite, bloating, vomiting, severe constipation or severe diarrhea, and sometimes fever. 