Non-obstetric causes and presentations of acute abdominal pain among pregnant women

Abstract

Objectives: Assess the patient characteristics and presentations of non-obstetric causes of acute abdominal pain among pregnant women.

Methods: Sixty five pregnant patients of different gestational age groups were enrolled in this study who visited Sulaimani Emergency Hospital between 2^nd January 2019 and 31 December 2019.  

Results: Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of non-obstetric abdominal pain in pregnant women (35.4%) followed by acute cholecystitis (18.5%) and renal stones (12.3%). Miscarriages are most commonly associated with acute pancreatitis with a rate of (50%). The majority of the patients were discharged home well within one month except for one patient (1.5%) who unfortunately died after surgical treatment for acute appendicitis.

Conclusion: Acute appendicitis is the most common non-obstetric cause of acute abdominal pain in pregnant women. While 2^nd and 3^rd causes were, acute cholecystitis and renal colic consecutively in decreasing frequency.