English
Endoscopy during pregnancy when necessary in Dhakuria

Endoscopy during pregnancy when necessary

Endoscopy during pregnancy when necessary in Dhakuria

Endoscopic procedures, including Colonoscopies and Esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs), are usually safe during pregnancy. These procedures are usually performed for circumstances in which there are clear indications for the procedure and there are no less invasive diagnostic options available.

Pregnancy-related Endoscopy is often carried out in the second trimester when the foetus is at the lowest risk. Doctors weigh the possible risks and advantages before performing a procedure, considering the urgency of the medical issue and the gestational age.

Foetal Monitoring may be used during the Endoscopic operation to make sure the baby is doing well. To reduce any possible risk to the foetus, sedation and anaesthesia are administered with caution. Even though Endoscopy is a safe procedure, one should discuss all the concerns and know all the required information to safeguard both mother and child.

FAQ's

A long, thin tube is inserted straight into the body during an Endoscopy to view an internal organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract, in great detail. In addition, doctors can use it for other instances like surgery and imaging. Endoscopies, which involve bodily openings like the mouth or anus, are minimally invasive procedures.

Your healthcare provider follows the following steps:

  • Consultation: To determine whether an Endoscopy is necessary during pregnancy, the patient meets with her gastroenterologist and obstetrician.
  • Risk Assessment: Considering the stage of pregnancy and the ailment that requires medical attention, the advantages and risks of Endoscopy are assessed.
  • Informed Consent: The patient gives their consent after being made aware of the procedure's advantages and disadvantages.
  • Foetal Monitoring: To guarantee the health of the unborn child, Foetal Monitoring may be carried out continuously throughout the process.
  • Sedation: Options for sedation are carefully selected to ensure patient comfort and reduce dangers to the foetus.
  • Procedure: A qualified gastroenterologist uses the right tools and methods to perform the Endoscopy.
  • Post-procedure Monitoring: The foetus's health is given extra consideration as the patient is closely monitored for any issues or unfavourable reactions. 
  • Follow-up: The patient may need to schedule follow-up appointments to track their progress after receiving post-operative care instructions following the operation.

Endoscopy during pregnancy may be necessary for several reasons, such as the assessment of:

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms that do not improve with conservative treatment
  • Unexplained abdominal pain 
  • Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Suspected gastrointestinal obstruction

Furthermore, it can be required for the identification and treatment of illnesses such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastrointestinal tumours, and inflammatory bowel disease, which carry a high risk of harm to the health of both the mother and the foetus if left untreated. Nonetheless, Endoscopic operations are usually saved for situations in which the advantages outweigh the possible hazards, with careful attention being given to the condition's urgency, gestational age, and potential effects on the health of the mother and foetus. 

Endoscopy in pregnancy is contraindicated when:

  • Unstable maternal condition or serious medical illness at advanced gestational age, especially in the third trimester.
  • High-risk pregnancy with complications like placenta previa or placental abruption
  • Known foetal abnormalities or congenital anomalies.
  • Lack of a clear clinical indication for the Endoscopic procedure.
  • Incapacity to sufficiently monitor the health of the mother and foetus throughout the treatment.
  • Dangers of sedation or anaesthesia beyond possible advantages.
  • The presence of less hazardous alternatives for diagnosis or treatment could affect the health of the mother and foetus.
  • There is a shortage of qualified medical personnel to carry out the operation safely.

Risks related to the Endoscopic process and its impact on the foetus exist while doing an Endoscopy during pregnancy. Among these dangers are:

  • Premature labour: During the process, manipulation of the uterus may cause contractions, which could result in early labour.
  • Foetal distress: Modifications in the mother's blood pressure, oxygen saturation, or the way anaesthesia is administered may have an impact on the foetus's health and may result in foetal misery.
  • Uterine perforation: During the procedure, there is a small chance of uterine perforation, which could result in bleeding or infection.
  • Complications from anaesthesia: There are dangers associated with administering anaesthesia, such as respiratory depression and allergic reactions, which can have an impact on the foetus as well as the mother.
  • Infection: Endoscopy carries the danger of infection, which may result in issues for both the mother and child.
  • Miscarriage: Endoscopy carries a small but possible risk of miscarriage, especially if the woman experiences severe stress or trauma during the procedure.
  • Radiation exposure: The foetus may be exposed to radiation during the process if imaging methods like Fluoroscopy are employed. This could hurt the fetus's development.

The risks of problems or adverse effects increase during the first trimester since your baby is still developing and forming important organs. Furthermore, sedation is not recommended during the third trimester due to the possibility of excessive discomfort and the possibility of early labour.