Is Gastroscopy Safe During Pregnancy? Risks and Alternatives

Q: Is Gastroscopy Safe During Pregnancy? Risks and Alternatives

Hello： There are no absolute contraindications for undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during pregnancy. <br>However, in the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus is more vulnerable, so an endoscopy would typically only be performed if the condition is more severe (such

Gastroscopy

Hello, Doctor.
I am currently two months pregnant, but I have been experiencing stomach discomfort.
I visited a gastroenterology clinic, and initially, the doctor suggested an endoscopy.
However, upon learning that I am two months pregnant, he advised against it, stating that it is not suitable during pregnancy.
I have come across information online suggesting that undergoing an endoscopy during pregnancy is not a problem, which has left me feeling confused.
Is it really unsuitable, or are there specific conditions under which it can be performed? Is it possible to have a painless endoscopy? Thank you.
I appreciate your help!

connie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/12/02

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: There are no absolute contraindications for undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during pregnancy.
However, in the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus is more vulnerable, so an endoscopy would typically only be performed if the condition is more severe (such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding).
Additionally, during the first three months of pregnancy, discomfort in the upper abdomen may occur due to the pregnancy itself and does not necessarily indicate the presence of conditions like peptic ulcers.
In such cases, there is no specific treatment, and the symptoms usually improve naturally after the mid-pregnancy period.
Wishing you good health, Dr.
Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2011/12/02

More Info

Gastroscopy, or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, is a procedure used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. It can be particularly useful for diagnosing conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal issues. However, when it comes to performing this procedure during pregnancy, there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, the safety of gastroscopy during pregnancy largely depends on the trimester and the specific circumstances surrounding the patient's health. In general, the first trimester is a critical period for fetal development, and many healthcare providers are cautious about performing invasive procedures during this time unless absolutely necessary. The second trimester is often considered the safest period for such procedures, as the risk of miscarriage is lower and the fetus is less vulnerable to external factors. However, the third trimester may pose challenges due to the physical changes in the body and the increased risk of complications.

The primary concerns regarding gastroscopy during pregnancy include the potential risks associated with sedation and the procedure itself. Medications used for sedation, such as benzodiazepines or opioids, can cross the placenta and may affect fetal development. For instance, drugs like fentanyl and midazolam (Dormicum) have been classified as Category C and D medications, respectively, indicating that their safety during pregnancy has not been established and that there may be potential risks to the fetus. Therefore, if sedation is required, healthcare providers typically weigh the benefits against the risks and may opt for alternatives or minimal sedation techniques.

Additionally, the physical positioning of the pregnant patient during the procedure can be a concern. Lying flat on the back can compress the inferior vena cava, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart and potentially causing hypotension. To mitigate this risk, healthcare providers may use a left lateral tilt position during the procedure.

If a gastroscopy is deemed necessary during pregnancy, it is crucial to inform the healthcare provider about the pregnancy status, the gestational age, and any other medical conditions. The provider may consider non-invasive alternatives, such as imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound or MRI), which do not involve sedation and pose less risk to the fetus.

In conclusion, while gastroscopy can be performed during pregnancy, it is essential to approach the decision with caution. The procedure should only be conducted when the benefits outweigh the risks, and it is advisable to consult with both a gastroenterologist and an obstetrician to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus. If you are experiencing significant gastrointestinal discomfort, it is important to discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your healthcare provider, who can help determine the most appropriate course of action based on your specific situation.

Similar Q&A

Can Pregnant Women Undergo Gastroscopy? Safety and Considerations

Hello doctor, I am 22 weeks pregnant (a little over five months), and I have been experiencing frequent heartburn and gastrointestinal discomfort, which is quite uncomfortable. I would like to ask if it is possible to undergo an endoscopy during pregnancy? Would the use of local ...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it generally does not have an impact. If you are feeling really uncomfortable, then go ahead and do it; otherwise, you may consider waiting until after giving birth, as some of your symptoms are also experienced by other pregnant women. Wishing you good health.

Is Colonoscopy Safe During Pregnancy? Concerns and Considerations

I am currently two and a half months pregnant! I am very anxious because I have been experiencing bloody diarrhea every day. I was wondering if I could have a colonoscopy at three or four months. Would it affect the fetus and make it unhealthy? Are the laxatives I am taking safe?...

Dr. Yang Zhichao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dear Miss Yi: Currently, a colonoscopy requires prior administration of bowel preparation medications to prepare the gastrointestinal tract for the examination. Due to your pregnancy, undergoing this procedure involves many unpredictable factors for both you and the fetus. It is ...

Does Anesthesia During Gastroscopy Affect Pregnancy and Fetal Health?

I discovered I was pregnant this month and had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy a couple of days around the time of conception. I'm concerned whether the anesthesia used during the procedure could affect the pregnancy and if the fetus might be unhealthy. Thank you for you...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Generally speaking, the medications used for preparing for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy do not have an impact, unless it involves anesthetics used for sedation during the procedure, which may affect the fetus. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospita...

Concerns About Rectal Symptoms During Pregnancy: Alternatives to Colonoscopy

Hello, recently I noticed a circular groove on one side of my stool from the beginning to the end, and there was blood after wiping. I underwent a digital rectal examination and a sigmoidoscopy, which revealed internal hemorrhoids but no tumors. I had scheduled a colonoscopy, but...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Pregnancy does not necessarily preclude undergoing a colonoscopy; however, if there is no strong suspicion of colorectal cancer, it is advisable to avoid the procedure if possible. Based on your situation, it seems more likely that you are experiencing bleeding related to hemorrh...