Pregnancy can make the diagnosis difficult because some of the symptoms are typical in a normal pregnancy, such as nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis is also difficult because as the uterus grows larger, the appendix moves upward and outward, so pain and tenderness are located in a different place than normal. See the illustration on page 200. Treatment for appendicitis is immediate surgery. Laparoscopy, with smaller incisions, is used in some situations, but laparoscopy may be more difficult to perform during pregnancy because of the enlarged uterus.
Serious complications can arise when an infected appendix ruptures.
Most physicians believe it's better to operate and remove a normal appendix than to risk infection of the abdominal cavity if the infected appendix ruptures. Many women express concerns over the safety of microwave ovens. Microwave ovens are helpful to busy people who prepare meals. However, we don't know if there is danger to you if you use a microwave oven during pregnancy. More research is needed.