During pregnancy, people frequently experience many forms of digestive distress, some of which may be related to the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores bile, which helps break down fat in the digestive system, and pregnancy will often affect its functioning.
Elevated estrogen levels can increase cholesterol in bile, while higher levels of progesterone during pregnancy can slow down bile flow, both of which work together to increase the risk of gallstones and biliary colic during pregnancy. This is why it is so important to choose the correct foods and supplements to support bile flow during pregnancy!
Additionally, a growing uterus during pregnancy can put pressure on the rest of the organs in the abdomen, which only makes matters worse for a congested gallbladder.
Here are some potential gallbladder symptoms to be aware of when pregnant:
- Sharp pain in the upper right abdomen.This pain can last from a few minutes to several hours and may radiate to the back or shoulder.
- Nausea and even vomiting, especially after the early months of pregnancy have passed, i.e. the point at which the typical pregnancy “morning sickness” caused by hormonal shifts tends to go away.
- A sensation of fullness, bloating, gas and discomfort after eating.
- Constipation and/or white or chalky stools.
- Intense itching all over your skin (not just your growing belly).
- A faint yellow tint to your skin and/or the whites of your eyes.
How do you treat gallbladder symptoms when pregnant?
Many people want to be extra careful about what they put in their bodies during pregnancy. For that reason, dietary and lifestyle changes are the first place to look when trying to avoid or to address gallbladder symptoms when pregnant.
Dietary changes you can make during pregnancy include:
- Avoiding all high fat and processed foods, including butter and cheese
- Avoiding fatty meats such as red meat, pork and fatty fish
- Switching to plant-based fats such as olive, flax and coconut oils
- Switching to lean proteins such as chicken, lean fish, and collagen peptides
- Eating cruciferous vegetables with caution, as these can provoke pain or attacks
- Eating an abundance of green leafy vegetables and beets
Another important lifestyle shift you can make is to be sure you’re getting gentle exercise into your days, especially after meals, which can help manage blood sugar and cholesterol, and improve the flow of bile and movement of food through your digestive system – all of which need extra support when pregnant, whether or not you’re experiencing gallbladder symptoms.
If you feel the need for extra support for gallbladder symptoms when pregnant, above and beyond these lifestyle changes, we have a gallbladder kit that contains supplements carefully selected for their safety and efficacy during pregnancy. You can purchase bile salts, choline and digestive enzymes separately, but buying the entire kit is a great way to save money.
Click Here to Buy Your Gallbladder Pregnancy Kit
When to seek medical attention…
If you are experiencing any of these gallbladder symptoms when pregnant, you need to seek medical attention right away:
- Jaundice, i.e. yellowing of the skin or eyes
- A fever or chills along with your gallbladder symptoms
- Severe pain that persists for more than a few minutes
- Gallbladder symptoms that do not respond to changes in lifestyle, diet and supplements
Occasionally doctors will recommend having your gallbladder removed during pregnancy. This is generally considered to be a safe procedure, and your doctor will be the best person to help you decide whether your circumstances warrant gallbladder removal surgery.
In closing, here are a few resources to help you navigate gallbladder symptoms when pregnant:
Free Gallbladder Shopping List
Download this free shopping list if you have experienced gallbladder pain and want to know what to eat. Take this list with you to the grocery store so you can navigate the aisles with confidence and ease!
Free Gallbladder Shopping List
Gallbladder Pregnancy Kit
This Gallbladder Pregnancy Kit contains five bottles of supplements, all of which are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The kit is designed to provide support healthy functioning of the gallbladder and bile during and after pregnancy.
Gallbladder Pregnancy Kit
Want Gallbladder News & Health Tips Delivered Straight To Your Inbox? Sign Up Here!
