Pregnant. Gallbladder-Gallstones Advice Needed

Updated on April 10, 2009
B.H. asks from Burnsville, MN
5 answers

I'm asking for a friend. She's 26 weeks pregnant. Her Dr. thinks she's having gallbladder attacks or gallstones. She has a ultrasound on Monday to look into this problem.

She is having pain on her upper right side rib cage area that goes to her back and also radiates to her front of her stomach towards belly button. It get's so severe when she's eating she will scream out in pain. Cramping etc.

Now until she can get back into the Dr. what should she know about this? What can she do to help this, what should she avoid? When is it a emergency or severe enough to go to the ER?

ANY information is extremely helpful and thank you very much for your time!

She is 26 weeks pregnant, they are watching for preeclampsia b/c she has a history of that but so far her labs and blood pressures are great!

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Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.L.

answers from Dubuque on

Most cases of gall bladder disease could be prevented if we consumed a diet that was good for the liver.
The gall bladder becomes diseased or dysfunctional because the liver is producing unhealthy bile. The bile is either toxic or contains excess amounts of fat and bacteria. To improve gall bladder problems, improve the quality of the bile, by improving the liver function. Even after the gall bladder is removed there may still be problems in the bile ducts inside & outside the liver. This is because the underlying problem of toxic bile has not been corrected.

After gall bladder removal the following things may still happen –
• Stones & gravel may form in the bile ducts inside & outside the liver
• The liver may develop fatty changes

It is important to take extra care of your liver if you have gall bladder problems, or if you have had your gall bladder removed.

Raw juicing is vitally important. Drink raw vegetable juice everyday.

Juicing has unique healing & rejuvenating properties.

• Avoid foods that contain high counts of bacteria, fungi and viruses – these are all dairy products, preserved meats, delicatessen meats, hamburger meats, smoked meats, and processed or junk foods. This is because these foods will trigger or exacerbate gallbladder infections.

• Avoid saturated animal fats including fatty meats, butter, cream, ice cream, cheese, chocolate, biscuits, fried foods (most gallstones are composed of cholesterol found in animal fats); refined sugars and refined carbohydrates. • Avoid artificial sweeteners

• Include health fats such as cold pressed nut and seed oils and foods rich in essential fats such as cold water fish, avocados etc. Good fats are important for the health of the gall bladder. An extremely low fat/no fat diet is NOT recommended.

• Drink plenty of filtered water throughout the day – 8 – 10 glasses at least.

Dairy products, margarine & deep fried foods are bad for your gall bladder & liver!

There are nutritional supplements I would recommend to keep the liver and gall bladder healthy. If you are interested in those, let me know.

L. L
Certified Nutrition Consultant
http://www.livegreeneveryday.com

1 mom found this helpful
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J.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

When I was pregnant, I had what my doctors now think was terrible gallbladder attacks, but it presented as awful heartburn. I was taking double prescription strength zantac twice a day to keep the pain at bay... that worked pretty well.

After I gave birth, I had terrible attacks, and, I'm sorry to say, there was NOTHING I could do to stop the pain except go to the ER & get IV narcotic pain meds. I landed in the ER twice, had the surgery scheduled to remove my gallbladder & landed in the ER once more before it was out... this all in the space of about 10 days. The worst attack I had was after eating dairy (I still haven't attempted Culver's frozen custard since!), so I would tell your friend to avoid dairy. The most important thing to understand is that your gallbladder aids in breaking down complex, high-fat foods. I would stick to a low-fat diet, and ask the OB for any other advice.

Gallbladder issues are VERY common with pregnancy, but that doesn't help when you're in the middle of an attack! I hope your friend gets some relief throughout the rest of her pregnancy!

Best of luck to her!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

I had a severe gall bladder attack when I was 38 weeks pregnant and FINALLY convinced the doctors to remove my gall bladder about a month ago....28 months after giving birth.

My attacks would be brought on mostly by high fat foods and dairy as the other posters have stated as well.

Tell her to be proactive and see if it is possible to get it removed while pregnant. I know how miserable she is!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi B.
I am with Jamie on eating a low fat diet avoid grease and high fat foods. there isn't much else you can do.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.P.

answers from Milwaukee on

Dr. suspected this for me when I was pregnant as well. I ate a low fat (almost no-fat) diet throughout the whole pregnancy. Actually, whenever I did eat too much fat (like more than 4 grams per day) I would have instant pain, as you described. It was really incredible what a difference the no-fat diet made, although it wasn't too fun because I ate whatever I wanted with my previous pregnancies.

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