abdominal pain often starting centrally near your belly button and gradually shifting over a few hours towards the right side (this is the most worrisome sign that likely indicates appendicitis) nausea and/or vomiting (beyond what you may have experienced in conjunction with pregnancy) fever lack of appetite.
The “classic” appendicitis pain is located two-thirds of the way between your belly button and your hip bone (this spot is called McBurney’s Point). [4] X Research source Kumar, P. , & Clark, M. (2009). Kumar & Clark’s Clinical Medicine 7th Edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier Limited. If you have appendicitis and try to lie on the right side of your body, you will feel the pain more strongly. You may also feel pain when you stand or move. Some women experience pain when they stand because they have an overly stretched round ligament (something that can occur during pregnancy). However, that sort of pain goes away within a few moments. Appendix pain, on the other hand, does not go away, so this is how you can distinguish them.
Also, if you are later along in your pregnancy (after the initial vomiting stage has passed), nausea and vomiting are much more likely to indicate something else going on like appendicitis.
It is best to see a doctor in the emergency room. Appendicitis is a condition that should be treated promptly if you have it, so it is recommended to be seen in the hospital where tests can be performed quickly if needed.
The reason refraining from eating and drinking is important is that an empty stomach is required for certain procedures done by doctors. Also, it is easier on your digestive tract and reduces the chance of your appendix bursting if you do in fact have appendicitis.
The tests may seem redundant and time-consuming, but know that these can be very helpful to your doctor in figuring out exactly what is going on.
Generally people who come into the ER with suspected appendicitis receive a CT scan. However, most doctors prefer ultrasound in pregnant women because it won’t cause harm to your baby. [16] X Research source Schwartz ‘s, Principles of Surgery, 9th edition. Mc graw hill. New-york Ultrasounds can successfully detect the majority of cases of appendicitis. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
At this point, your doctor may recommend a CT scan or an MRI to better visualize the appendix to see if it is inflamed. [18] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
