Managing Complications in Pregnancy and Childbirth: - IAWG

Abdominal pain in early pregnancyS-119Note: Delaying diagnosis and treatment can result in rupture of theappendix which may lead to generalized peritonitis.• If there are signs of peritonitis (fever, rebound tenderness,abdominal pain), give antibiotics as for peritonitis (page S-111).Note: The presence of peritonitis increases the likelihood ofabortion or preterm labour.• If the woman is in severe pain, give pethidine 1 mg/kg body weight(but not more than 100 mg) IM or IV slowly or give morphine 0.1mg/kg body weight IM.• Tocolytic drugs may be needed to prevent preterm labour (Table S-17, page S-123).