Managing Complications in Pregnancy and Childbirth: - IAWG

ABDOMINAL PAIN IN LATER PREGNANCY S-119AND AFTER CHILDBIRTHPROBLEMS• The woman is experiencing abdominal pain after 22 weeks ofpregnancy.• The woman is experiencing abdominal pain during the first 6 weeksafter childbirth.GENERAL MANAGEMENT• Make a rapid evaluation of the general condition of the womanincluding vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, respiration,temperature).• If shock is suspected, immediately begin treatment (page S-1).Even if signs of shock are not present, keep shock in mind as youevaluate the woman further because her status may worsen rapidly.If shock develops, it is important to begin treatment immediately.Note: Appendicitis should be suspected in any woman havingabdominal pain. Appendicitis can be confused with other more commonproblems in pregnancy which cause abdominal pain. If appendicitisoccurs in late pregnancy, the infection may be walled off by the graviduterus. The size of the uterus rapidly decreases after delivery, allowingthe infection to spill into the peritoneal cavity. In these cases,appendicitis presents as generalized peritonitis.