Pregnancy is usually a time of excitement and hope. But sometimes, things do not go as planned. In rare cases, a pregnant person might face a surgical emergency. This means something serious is happening inside the body that needs quick surgery to save the mother, the baby, or both.
These emergencies are not common, but they can be dangerous if not treated fast. Understanding them can help you stay alert and know when to seek help.
A surgical emergency during pregnancy is any condition that suddenly affects the mother’s health and cannot be treated with medicine alone. It needs immediate surgery to fix the problem. These conditions can happen in the belly area (abdomen), in the reproductive organs, or due to an injury.
Surgery during pregnancy is more complicated. Doctors must think about both the mother and the baby before doing any procedure. That’s why spotting the the problem early is very important.
One of the most urgent problems in early pregnancy is an ectopic pregnancy. This happens when the fertilised egg grows outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. The baby cannot survive in this case.
If the tube bursts, it can cause heavy internal bleeding, which is life-threatening. Signs include:
According to the American Pregnancy Association, about 1 in 50 pregnancies is ectopic. It usually needs surgery to remove the pregnancy and stop the bleeding.
Appendicitis is when the appendix gets swollen and infected. It can happen during pregnancy too. But it is harder to diagnose, because the growing uterus pushes the appendix out of its usual place.
Symptoms to watch for:
Delayed diagnosis can lead to the appendix bursting, which is very risky for both mother and baby. Most times, laparoscopic surgery is used, even during pregnancy. It is generally safe when done early.
Sometimes, an ovary twists around the tissue that holds it. This is called ovarian torsion. It cuts off blood flow and causes sudden, sharp pain.
Pregnancy increases the risk, especially if there are ovarian cysts. Without surgery, the ovary might get damaged permanently.
Symptoms include:
Doctors usually perform surgery to untwist the ovary. In some cases, they may remove it if blood flow does not return.
This is a late-pregnancy emergency. The placenta is the organ that gives oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Sometimes, it separates from the uterus too early.
This condition, called placental abruption, causes heavy bleeding and reduces oxygen to the baby.
Signs include:
Placental abruption affects about 1 in 100 pregnancies. If it is severe, doctors may need to do an emergency C-section.
Uterine rupture is a rare but life-threatening emergency where the muscular wall of the uterus tears during pregnancy or labor. It often occurs in women who have had previous cesarean sections or uterine surgeries.
When the uterus tears, it can cause the baby to slip into the mother’s abdomen, leading to internal bleeding and danger to both mother and child. This condition requires urgent surgical intervention usually an emergency C-section. Possible signs include:
While rare, uterine rupture can be fatal if not treated immediately. Hospitals like Vardaan, which specialize in women’s healthcare, are equipped to act fast in such situations to protect both mother and baby.
While not all emergencies can be avoided, there are some steps that can help:
Call your doctor or go to the best hospital in Ranchi or in your locality immediately if you:
Quick action can prevent a serious problem from becoming dangerous.
Surgical emergencies in pregnancy are rare, but they are real and serious. Knowing what signs to watch for can help you take the right steps at the right time.
At Vardaan Hospital, we have the best team of doctors in Ranchi, surgeons, and nurses who are trained to handle such emergencies with care. Our goal is to keep both mother and baby safe even in the most critical times.
If you or someone you know is expecting and has concerns about pain or strange symptoms, do not wait. Seek help right away. Early care saves lives.
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