Book Appointments & Health Checkup Packages
Book Appointments & Health Checkup Packages
Although endoscopy is normally avoided during pregnancy owing to possible dangers, some disorders require it for diagnosis and management because they pose greater risks to the foetus and mother. Severe gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic vomiting, and a possible pancreatic or biliary illness are common indicators. Procedures like Colonoscopies and Esophago-gastroduodenoscopies (EGD) can be done during pregnancy, if necessary.
Since foetal development is further advanced in the second trimester, endoscopies are usually postponed until that time to ensure safety and lower the possibility of teratogenic consequences from anaesthesia and medicines. To reduce hazards, minimum sedation must be used, and the mother's blood pressure and oxygenation must be closely monitored. For preliminary assessments, non-ionising radiation imaging methods such as ultrasonography are recommended to minimise foetal radiation exposure.
Although research indicates that endoscopy may be carried out safely during pregnancy, it's critical to weigh the benefits and dangers of the treatment. To maximise results for mother and child, multidisciplinary cooperation between gastroenterologists, anesthesiologists, and obstetricians is crucial. The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, has an experienced team of doctors skilled in performing all procedures with precision, minimising complications.
Pregnancy-related endoscopies are frequently performed in cases of severe gastrointestinal bleeding to locate and address its source, persistent vomiting that does not improve with conventional therapy, such as hyperemesis gravidarum, and suspected pancreatic or biliary diseases like pancreatitis or cholangitis. Moreover, it is recommended for managing ingested foreign materials that might endanger the mother or foetus, dysphagia, severe or refractory GERD, aberrant imaging results assessment, and gastrointestinal lesion biopsy to diagnose or rule out cancers.
Preferring non-radiating imaging, such as ultrasonography, postponing the operation until the second trimester, and employing minimum and safe sedation are some techniques to reduce the hazards associated with endoscopy during pregnancy. It is essential to continuously monitor the mother and the fetal heart rate, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. The best results are guaranteed when obstetricians, gastroenterologists, and anesthesiologists work together in a multidisciplinary manner. Informed consent talks help patients understand the advantages and dangers of the procedure, and proper patient placement helps prevent inferior vena cava compression.
The second trimester of pregnancy is the safest time to have an endoscopy. This timing is ideal because, during the key phase of organogenesis, which takes place during the first trimester, there is an increased risk of teratogenic consequences from drugs and anaesthesia. Furthermore, compared to the third trimester, when the uterus is bigger and more prone to irritation, the second trimester has a decreased risk of problems and premature labour. By striking this equilibrium, the dangers to the mother and the foetus are reduced.
The most frequent endoscopic procedures on expectant patients are Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the diagnosis and treatment of biliary or pancreatic conditions, such as cholangitis or pancreatitis, requiring therapeutic interventions like Bile Duct Stenting; Colonoscopy for the evaluation of severe gastrointestinal bleeding and the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease; and Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for the diagnosis and treatment of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastrointestinal bleeding, and persistent vomiting. When the potential advantages of these operations outweigh the dangers during pregnancy, they are selected.
Maternal safety during a pregnancy endoscopy is ensured by close monitoring, including respiratory status monitoring, hemodynamic stability evaluations, and ongoing oxygen saturation tests. Foetal monitoring is done to keep the foetal heart rate at its ideal level and to look for signs of distress. To preserve the mother's awareness and reduce the hazards associated with drugs, sedation is carefully controlled. A left-lateral tilt, for example, can help maintain uteroplacental blood flow and avoid compression of the inferior vena cava. Throughout the process, this methodical approach seeks to minimise any difficulties and encourage the best possible outcome for the mother and foetus.
Pregnancy-related sedation and anaesthesia may have some hazards, such as miscarriage, preterm labour, allergic responses, hypotension that affects the mother's and the foetus's blood circulation, and foetal depression from medicine that crosses the placenta. There is a risk of teratogenic consequences, especially during the first trimester. There's also a chance of longer recovery periods and uncommon issues like aspiration or cardiopulmonary problems. To guarantee safety throughout the endoscopic process, mitigation entails cautious drug selection, administration by skilled providers, and close monitoring of maternal and foetal status.
Following an endoscopy, post-procedure care for expectant mothers includes keeping an eye on critical indicators to spot any issues, making sure the patient recovers appropriately in a supervised setting, and encouraging the use of pregnancy-safe drugs to control discomfort and stay hydrated. It's important to gradually resume your diet and have follow-up sessions. Patients are taught to keep an eye on their symptoms and to seek out quick medical care if something seems unusual. Additionally, emotional support is offered to help with procedure-related anxiety. The overall goal of these actions is to maximise the health of the mother and foetus following endoscopy.
Home Mukundapur Specialities Obstetrics-and-gynaecology Endoscopy-during-pregnancy-when-necessary