Why Gallbladder stones common in pregnancy
Gallstones in Pregnancy
Gallbladder stones (gallstones) can arise after pregnancy for a variety of biological and hormonal reasons. Some women have this issue more frequently during or after pregnancy. The following are some primary causes:
Hormonal changes
- A primary cause of stones, Estrogen raises the gallbladder's cholesterol levels.
- Progesterone slows down the gallbladder's motility, or movement, which prolongs the time that bile remains in the gallbladder and causes cholesterol to accumulate and form stones.
Changes in Bile composition
- Bile salts and lecithin levels fall during pregnancy, but cholesterol levels rise. The likelihood of
- stones developing is increased by this imbalance.
Gallbladder empty slow down
Because the gallbladder does not drain entirely during pregnancy, cholesterol-rich bile accumulates there and eventually forms stones.
Weight gain
Gaining weight during and after pregnancy increases the risk of gallstones because obesity raises blood cholesterol levels.
Genetics
Gallstones are more likely to develop in you if someone in your family already has them. This is also influenced by a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet that includes too many fatty or oily foods.
Gallstones are more common in females
- Due to high estrogen, it increase cholesterol in bile.
- Due to high progesterone, it slows gallbladder contraction.
- In pregnancy, increase the both estrogen and progesterone and it slows bile flow.
- Taking birth control pills, same effect as pregnancy on bile.
- Natural bile composition, it is more than in males.
Symptoms of Gallstones
- Upper abdominal pain, particularly on the right side
- Pain that worsens after consuming fatty foods
- Vomiting or feeling queasy
- bloating
- Pain Radiating to back or right
- Nausea
- Gas
- Indigestion
- Burping or belching
- Fever with chills
- Jaundice
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Appetite loss
Gallstone prevention tips for women especially in post pregnancy
- Eat high-fiber diet, fruits, oats, vegetables, whole grains and legumes
- Avoid fatty, oily and fried foods- limit ghee, butter, cream, fried food, red meat
- Choose low fat dairy- use toned milk, low fat curd
- Eat regular and balanced diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay physical active
- Drink plenty of water
- Monitor hormones after delivery
- Routine check up if family history id present
- Cook light, healthy meals at home