Ultrasonography of the gallbladder in pregnancy

The appearance of the gallbladder was monitored by serial ultrasound examinations in 36 women at various times during their normal pregnancy and postpartum. The gallbladder remained within normal limits in size, but there was a progressive increase in its longitudinal and transverse diameters. The contractibility of the gallbladder was also assessed and found to be satisfactory in most cases. However, the formation of sludge was demonstrated in several instances beyond the 20-25th weeks of pregnancy. Gallstones were detected in 2 patients, 1 of whom had initially normal findings on cholecystosonography during her first trimester.