Complete small bowel obstruction secondary to transomental herniation in pregnancy.

During pregnancy, abdominal pain can be caused by both obstetric and non-obstetric causes. Non-obstetric causes of severe abdominal pain during pregnancy must always be considered. Complete bowel obstruction caused by an internal hernia is rare in obstetric surgical patients. Delays in diagnosis can occur due to non-specific signs and symptoms which can be present in normal pregnancy, and a reluctance to operate on the pregnant patient. Prompt diagnosis and early surgical intervention is the cornerstone for a good outcome. Surgical intervention during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of foetal loss. The use of intra-operative cardiotocography for foetal monitoring in non-obstetric surgery remains controversial.