Pregnancy complicated by intestinal obstruction, do you know what the symptoms are?

Pregnancy is a period when intestinal obstruction is very likely to occur. There will be some obvious symptoms after intestinal obstruction occurs. Pain is the easiest symptom for people to feel, so this symptom is the most obvious. In addition, some women will also experience vomiting and abdominal distension.

(1) Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is the main symptom of intestinal obstruction, which is generally persistent or paroxysmal intestinal colic. The pain is mostly located around the navel or on one side of the obstruction. This is because the passage of intestinal contents is blocked, the intestinal peristalsis above the obstruction is enhanced, and the intestinal wall smooth muscle contracts and spasms strongly, causing paroxysmal severe colic.

(2) Vomiting and abdominal distension

Early vomiting is mostly reflex vomiting caused by intestinal distension. Thereafter, vomiting and abdominal distension vary with the location of the obstruction. In high-level intestinal obstruction, vomiting occurs early and frequently. The vomitus is the contents of the stomach and duodenum accompanied by a large amount of gastrointestinal fluid, pancreatic juice and bile, and abdominal distension is usually not obvious. In low intestinal obstruction, vomiting occurs late and less frequently. In the late stage, intestinal contents with a fecal odor may be vomited out. Abdominal distension is generally severe and may be diffuse throughout the abdomen.

(3) Difficulties in defecation and gas discharge

Incomplete intestinal obstruction and high intestinal obstruction may cause flatulence and small amounts of bowel movements in the early stages; however, patients with complete intestinal obstruction no longer pass gas or have bowel movements.

Signs of intestinal obstruction during pregnancy

Intestinal patterns and intestinal peristaltic waves can be seen in the abdomen, and masses can sometimes be felt by palpation. There are tenderness and signs of peritoneal irritation at the site of obstruction. Percussion of the abdomen is tympanic, and auscultation reveals hyperactive bowel sounds with the sound of air passing through water. In some cases of strangulated intestinal obstruction, bowel sounds may disappear.

To sum up, the above content describes the common symptoms of pregnancy complicated by intestinal obstruction, which can help people better understand intestinal obstruction. Once a pregnant woman is found to have intestinal obstruction, timely treatment should be given to avoid affecting the health of the pregnant woman.