A 24-year-old female, 8 weeks pregnant, presents with abdominal pain and fever. What is the most likely diagnosis?

In the scenario presented, the patient is a 24-year-old female who is 8 weeks pregnant and experiences abdominal pain and fever. Among the given options, the most likely diagnosis is appendicitis.

Appendicitis is a condition that can occur in pregnant individuals, especially in the first trimester. The symptoms typically involve gradual onset abdominal pain, often starting around the belly button and then shifting to the right lower quadrant, along with fever and possibly nausea. In pregnant women, the enlarged uterus can alter the typical presentation of appendicitis, making it critical for healthcare providers to consider this diagnosis when a pregnant woman presents with abdominal pain.

While other potential diagnoses such as ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian cyst rupture are relevant considerations, appendicitis remains a common occurrence and can be considered more likely given the classic presentation of fever and abdominal pain during the early stages of pregnancy. It requires prompt medical attention due to the risk of complications that could affect both the mother and the fetus if left untreated.

Ectopic pregnancy would typically present with unilateral pain and possibly more severe symptoms if there were rupture, and is often accompanied by irregular vaginal bleeding. Pelvic inflammatory disease usually presents with a combination of pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal discharge, and may