Differential Diagnosis for Right Lower Quadrant Pain in 2nd Trimester
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Appendicitis: This is a common cause of right lower quadrant pain in pregnancy, especially in the second trimester. The growing uterus can displace the appendix to a higher position, but the pain typically remains in the right lower quadrant.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs are common in pregnancy due to physiological changes that can predispose to infection. Symptoms can include right lower quadrant pain, dysuria, and frequency.
- Kidney Stones: Although less common in pregnancy, kidney stones can cause severe right lower quadrant pain, often radiating to the groin, and can be associated with nausea and vomiting.
- Ovarian Cyst or Torsion: Ovarian cysts can cause right lower quadrant pain, and torsion is a complication that can occur, especially in pregnancy due to the displacement of the ovaries by the growing uterus.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Although less likely in the second trimester, an ectopic pregnancy can present with right lower quadrant pain and is a life-threatening condition if missed.
- Placental Abruption: This condition involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus and can cause abdominal pain, including right lower quadrant pain, and vaginal bleeding.
- Uterine Rupture: Although rare, uterine rupture can occur in the second trimester, especially in women with a history of uterine surgery, and can present with severe abdominal pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Hepatic Hemangioma or Adenoma: These are benign liver tumors that can cause right upper quadrant pain but can occasionally refer pain to the right lower quadrant.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Flare: Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause right lower quadrant pain, especially if the disease involves the terminal ileum.
- Diverticulitis: Although more common in older populations, diverticulitis can occur in pregnant women and cause right lower quadrant pain, especially if the diverticula are located in the sigmoid colon.