Liver Disease in Pregnancy: During pregnancy, it is very important for the health of both the mother and the child to be healthy. Keeping in mind the health of the mother and the baby, liver disease during pregnancy may be troublesome for you, liver disease during pregnancy includes a range of disorders that occur during pregnancy and postpartum that are abnormal Impaired liver function and causes hepatobiliary dysfunction. About 3-10 percent of women face some or the other liver problem during pregnancy.
Some liver symptoms that are only associated with pregnancy
hyperemesis gravidarum
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP)
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IPC)
Hemolysis and elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome
There are also some liver-related issues like viral hepatitis which are not associated with pregnancy in any way, but can affect pregnant women.
Why Liver Problems Occur During Pregnancy?
The causes of liver disease during pregnancy cannot be specified as there could be many factors and underlying conditions behind it. Some of the symptoms of liver disease during pregnancy include severe itching in the limbs, nausea, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, dark colored urine and even depression. Intrahepatic cholestasis or other liver diseases in pregnant women can affect babies in utero, and cause elevated levels of bile that can put pressure on the fetus. Depending on the severity of the liver disease, premature birth or stillbirth may also occur.
Most Common Conditions Predisposing to Liver Problems During Pregnancy
1. Hepatitis
Acute viral hepatitis can increase the risk of pre-term birth. This is also a major reason for jaundice during pregnancy. During pregnancy, most types of hepatitis are not serious, but hepatitis E during pregnancy can be serious and lead to complications. In rare cases, after birth, the infant may become infected with hepatitis B. Women with chronic hepatitis may face problems in pregnancy, especially if cirrhosis is present, as they are more likely to have a miscarriage or preterm birth. In severe cases, women with chronic hepatitis may be given antiviral drugs in the third trimester. These drugs can reduce the risk of hepatitis virus infecting the fetus.
2. Fatty Liver During Pregnancy
This rare condition can develop towards the end of pregnancy. The disorder worsens quickly and liver failure can develop. The cause is unknown, and symptoms of fatty liver during pregnancy include nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and jaundice. In severe cases the risk factors for mortality in pregnant women and fetuses are high. Therefore, doctors may recommend immediate delivery or termination of pregnancy in such cases. The doctor will also suggest a physical examination for further treatment, and check for high bilirubin levels, elevated transaminase, and serum bile acid levels. Doctors may suggest liver transplant and if the cases are severe they may suggest abortion in the first trimester.
Disclaimer: Take the methods, methods and claims mentioned in this article only as suggestions, ABP News does not confirm them. Before implementing any such treatment/medicine/diet and suggestion, please consult a doctor or related expert.
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