Liver Problems During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a crucial period in a woman's life. Due to various hormonal changes, certain symptoms arise which might be detrimental to the health of the mother, as well as her baby. Mild disorders can become serious and lead to high risk pregnancy. One such severe condition is associated with abnormal liver function. Liver problems during pregnancy give rise to serious complications causing abnormal liver. The most probable liver disorders during pregnancy are mentioned in the following content.

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP): Abnormal Bile Flow

ICP is one of the common liver problems with pregnancy, that is related with flow of bile. ICP takes place due to abnormal flow of bile and build up of acids. The genuine symptoms are jaundice with bloody stools and flow or dark-colored urine. There's severe itching accompanied by rashes. Women face bouts of anxiety and get fatigued very soon. ICP also affects the health of baby. It carries the risk of meconium staining during childbirth. In extreme cases, pre-term labor leads to death of baby.

HELLP Syndrome: Low Platelet Count and Increase in Liver Enzymes

This syndrome is characterized by increase in levels of liver enzymes and a very low platelet count in blood. This is one of the serious complications of pregnancy marked by rapid breakdown of red blood cells. Normally diagnosed during the third trimester, it is a form of preeclampsia. Women suffering from this syndrome can also develop postpartum. Premature delivery of baby is the only option if abruption of placenta is observed. Severe bleeding, kidney failure and stroke might also cause death of mother.

Acute Fatty Liver: Build Up of Fat

Fatty liver causes are associated with buildup of fat in liver cells. Although the condition is very rare, it leads to liver and kidney failure. Symptoms of fatty liver are abdominal pain, vomiting and severe headache. Women suffering from high levels of jaundice are prone to fatty liver.

Hepatitis: Severe Jaundice due to Viral Attack

Hepatitis is caused by three strains of virus namely Hepatitis A, B and C. Amongst the three types, hepatitis B is the most severe form that can pass to the baby through the uterus. The diagnostic signs and symptoms of liver problems for hepatitis infection are jaundice, abdominal discomfort, fatigue and lack of appetite.

Preeclampsia: Liver Swelling and Elevated Liver Enzymes

This is most observant in pregnant women. Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by rise in levels of liver enzymes that cause extreme swelling of liver. Early symptom is high blood pressure in mother. Liver damage is caused due to proteins being leaked out to urine. It mainly occurs during the third trimester and if not treated early, it causes strokes, seizures and even death of either mother, baby or both.

Treatment of Liver Problems During Pregnancy

The most observant liver problems in pregnancy can be treated with medications. Delivering the baby is sometimes the sole solution of this problem. If ICP is diagnosed early, doctors carry out treatments that show successful results. They prescribe antihistamines medication for rashes and other medications to regulate flow of bile. The cure for hepatitis is still at the stage of infancy. Hepatitis vaccination is utmost importance for the mother to prevent liver problems after pregnancy. The only cure for HELLP syndrome, fatty liver and preeclampsia is delivery of baby. In case of HELLP syndrome, if babies are under 34 weeks, delivery can be postponed for two days in order to administer drugs for development of lungs.

Pregnant women should not take any risk to leave unusual symptoms undiagnosed. Doctors perform certain abnormal liver function tests capable of detecting disorders immediately. Proper treatment at right time can cure these symptoms completely.