Obstetric triage revisited: update on non-obstetric surgical conditions in pregnancy

New findings and diagnostic advances warrant revisiting key features of acute non-obstetric abdominal pain in pregnancy. Four of the most frequently seen conditions warranting surgical intervention are: appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstruction. Because pregnancy often masks abdominal complaints, effectively assessing and triaging abdominal pain in pregnant women can be difficult. Working in obstetric triage settings and triaging obstetric phone calls demand continual updating of abdominal assessment knowledge and clinical skills.