Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Obstetrics and gynaecology
Liver disorders during pregnancy
Abstract
The liver function test abnormalities most often seen in pregnancy are those which are pre-existing, particularly those associated with chronic hepatitis C and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Key Points
- During pregnancy a woman’s albumin level normally decreases and her alkaline phosphatase level normally increases.
- Abnormal transaminase levels and prothrombin time indicate liver pathology.
- Think of cholestasis in pregnancy in women with an itch in late pregnancy; check the bile acids.
- Development of nausea and abdominal pain in late pregnancy could indicate serious liver problems.
- Pregnant and postpartum women have an increased risk of cholelithiasis.
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