Effect on pregnancy on gallstone formation

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 1989 Nov;29(4):386-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1989.tb01774.x.

Abstract

An ultrasound study was carried out to determine the incidence of gallstone formation during pregnancy. One hundred and thirty seven pregnant women attending antenatal clinics were studied; 70 women were primigravidas and 67 were 1 para or more. An ultrasound of the gallbladder was carried out at 20 weeks or less of gestation and a repeat of ultrasound examination was performed soon after delivery. Five women had gallstones diagnosed before pregnancy; 1 of these was a primigravida, the other 4 were para 1 or more. None of the women developed gallstones during pregnancy. This finding suggests that pregnancy is unlikely to be an important factor in gallstone formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cholelithiasis / diagnosis
  • Cholelithiasis / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology*
  • Ultrasonography