Pregnancy Associated with Gallstones Disease

Background: Gallstone disease during pregnancy can lead to significant maternal and fetal complications. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, symptomatology, management strategies, and pregnancy outcomes associated with gallstones in pregnant women at Ashulia Women and Children Hospital (AWCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: This prospective observational study included 100 pregnant women diagnosed with gallstones between July 2022 and June 2024 at AWCH. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, symptoms, management approaches, and pregnancy outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Result: The study population had a mean age of 30 years, with the majority being multiparous (60%) and in the 25-34 year age group (50%). Abdominal pain was the most common symptom (83%), followed by nausea and vomiting (50%) and indigestion (40%). Conservative management was the primary approach (60%), with 25% receiving medication and 15% undergoing surgical intervention. Successful outcomes were achieved in 14 of 15 surgical cases, including laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. Pregnancy outcomes were generally favorable, with 85% of pregnancies resulting in full-term births. Preterm births occurred in 10% of cases, and stillbirths were reported in 5%. Maternal complications included postoperative infections (6%) and hepatitis (3%). Conclusion: Gallstone disease during pregnancy predominantly presents with abdominal pain and is managed effectively with conservative or surgical approaches. While the majority of pregnancies resulted in full-term births, there were notable complications, emphasizing the need for careful management and follow-up.