How may gallstones develop after pregnancy? Symptoms and ... - Medical News Today
Gallstones can develop in the gallbladder when components in the bile become unbalanced. Pregnancy may trigger gallstone formation due to increases in estrogen and progesterone hormones. Rapid weight loss following the delivery of a baby may also play a role. The most obvious symptom is sudden-onset and severe abdominal pain. However, most people with gallstones do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms can still occur in some people. Treatment may become necessary if symptoms are affecting a person's daily life. People can manage milder symptoms well with pain relief medication and dietary changes. In more severe cases, doctors may recommend surgery. Keep reading to learn more about gallstones after pregnancy. Pregnancy can lead to higher levels of certain hormones, such as estrogen, in the body, increasing the risk of developing gallstones. The gallbladder is the body's bile storage facility. It releases bile into the small intestine after meals to aid digestion. Bile is a f