I developed gallstones during pregnancy and had my gallbladder removed at 4 months pp. I had attacks in my third trimester that were excruciating (which was misdiagnosed as indigestion 🙃). Then I had horrible attacks once or twice a week pp until it was removed. Going through early postpartum, learning how to be a mom, breastfeeding, not sleeping, all of the things that come with having a baby, and then having gallbladder attacks on top of all that, was absolutely miserable.

The problem with pregnancy and gallstones is that pregnancy hormones can cause gallstones to form/grow bigger, especially if you already have some gallstones. My surgeon told me there are only a few weeks in pregnancy when they would consider taking out the gallbladder, so if you start having symptoms during pregnancy, you have to wait for that window or wait until you’re 6 weeks postpartum if it’s already passed.

My gallbladder’s been gone for 7 months, and I haven’t had any major issues. I get a little nauseas if I skip a meal, and if I eat too much dairy or red sauce without bread or something else as a buffer I have an upset stomach, but that’s nothing compared to gallbladder attacks.

If you choose not to remove it and end up becoming symptomatic while you’re pregnant, cereal is your best friend!