Gastroenterology & Hepatology

GASTROENTEROLOGY & PREGNANCY

In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, normal physiological changes during pregnancy produce dramatic modifications. Pregnancy, therefore, poses a unique medical stress to the GI tract, and for many women, is a period of vulnerability for the development of new or exacerbation of existing GI disorders. These changes may cause new symptoms, worsen preexisting disease, or mask potentially deadly disease. A lack of experience in dealing with these symptoms can have devastating effects. The physician must be able to distinguish whether these symptoms are those of normal pregnancy or a potentially life-threatening complication such as preeclampsia. The physician must also know which medications are safe in pregnancy, as well as which tests are safe to perform during pregnancy.