General Principles in the Diagnosis of the Acute Abdomen

Abstract

Pregnant women with abdominal and pelvic pain present many challenges to the clinician. The importance of an accurate history cannot be overstated. The physical examination can be more difficult especially when the gravid uterus is large enough to obscure findings that would be easier to detect in its absence. In modern practice, we often take for granted the astounding technological advances that contribute greatly to the diagnosis of abdominal and pelvic pain.