Efficacy and safety of upper endoscopy procedures during pregnancy

The risks of performing endoscopy become more complex when the patient is pregnant. The endoscopist has to consider all the factors that affect the health of both the patient and the fetus. Although pregnant patients are generally healthy, they may have changes in blood pressure and volume status as well as alterations in tolerance of anesthesia and luminal distention. Maternal complications will impact the health of the fetus. In addition, the fetus can be directly affected by procedural medications, mechanical factors, and therapeutic interventions. The endoscopist must be able to minimize the risks to the fetus and provide the pregnant patient with a safe and comfortable procedure. This review focuses on the risks of upper endoscopy as they relate to the health of a pregnant woman and the fetus.