Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy From Gallstones
You have pain in your upper belly (abdomen) that may be caused by gallstones. The gallbladder is an organ that stores fluid called bile. The gallbladder sends bile into the intestines to help you digest your food. A small amount of bile sometimes stays in the gallbladder. In time, this bile can harden, forming gallstones. If stones move into the tube (duct) that carries bile out of the gallbladder, they can cause pain or infection.
Gallstones are more likely to occur during pregnancy. This is because you have higher amounts of hormones at this time that affect the biliary system. Other things that make it more likely to have gallstones are family history and a diet that’s high in fatty foods.
Common symptoms of gallstones include:
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Pain and cramping in your belly, often after you eat. The pain is often felt in the upper right part of your belly.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Loss of appetite.
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Itching without a rash.
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Jaundice, when the stones block the common bile duct (CBD). It can cause:
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Fever and chills if there is an infection of the gall bladder (cholangitis).
You and your doctor will decide on the best treatment for you. Here’s what you can do to ease your discomfort in the meantime.
Home care
Medicines
Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help ease pain. Follow your doctor’s directions for taking these medicines.
General care
You can’t control your family history or your hormones. But you can make changes to your diet. Changing your diet won't fix your gallbladder, but it may help with the symptoms. Here are some general care guidelines:
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Eat a diet high in fiber and low in fat. Eat whole grains, like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread. Don't eat greasy or fried foods.
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Eat less simple carbohydrates (like white flour, white bread and tortillas, and white rice) and less sugar.
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Read food labels to be sure the foods you are choosing are low in fat.
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Limit high-fat meats, dairy products, animal fats, and vegetable oils.
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Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to watch your condition.
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Always check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicines, herbal medicines, or dietary supplements.
Surgery for gallstones is generally not done during pregnancy unless the gallstones are causing severe pain or you have an infection. Discuss your treatment choices with your doctor. You might need:
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Medicine to dissolve the stones.
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A procedure called an ERCP to find the stones and remove them. ERCP uses a thin tube with video and X-rays.
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Surgery to remove the gallstones.
Even after treatment, gallstones can return.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your doctor, or as advised.
Call 911
Call 911 if any of the following occur:
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Severe lightheadedness, passing out, or fainting
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Fast heart rate
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Trouble breathing
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Confusion or trouble waking up
When to get medical advice
Contact your doctor right away if any of the following occur:
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor
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Severe pain in the upper belly, shoulder, or back
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Nausea or vomiting
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Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
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Vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking from the vagina, or baby's lack of movement
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Robyn Zercher FNP
Online Medical Reviewer:
Vinita Wadhawan Researcher
Date Last Reviewed:
6/1/2025
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