Intestinal perforation during pregnancy

Three cases of bowel perforation were encountered in pregnant women in a community hospital. Two were associated with mechanical obstruction, and one was of unknown etiology. Displacement of abdominal contents by the gravid uterus may predispose pregnant patients to intestinal obstruction in the presence of an underlying bowel abnormality, such as adhesions or malrotation. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy are necessary to avoid a fatal or a severely morbid outcome.