Nine months of what? (Conclusion)

Liver Problems

Rarely, otherwise healthy pregnant women can develop serious liver problems caused directly by pregnancy. You should be aware of three rare liver disorders that often strike unexpectedly: intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, HELLP syndrome and Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP). Intrahepatic cholestatis occurs in less than one percent of pregnancies when the hormone estrogen impairs the liver’s ability to process certain chemicals, according to the American Liver Foundation. Symptoms include a yellow (jaundiced) color in the skin or eyes, pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, risk increases for premature delivery, early fetal death or stillbirths. Most often, the mother and baby suffer no lasting effects. HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver tests and Low Platelets in the blood) most often begins in the last trimester of pregnancy, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The cause of this syndrome is unknown, but its effects can be fatal to both mother and baby. Watch out for symptoms similar to those found in intrahepatic cholestasis patients, along with swelling of the face and hands. The condition recedes only after delivery of the baby.

Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP) is rare, but serious. The condition occurs in one in 13,000 pregnancies and has an 18 percent incidence of maternal fatality and a 23 percent incidence of fetal fatality, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. In addition to symptoms found in cholestasis and HELLP syndrome, patients with AFLP may experience confusion or general discomfort. Delivery of the baby is necessary as soon as possible, and the AFLP improves soon after.

Tips for relief: Don’t hassle with self-induced treatments. Improve your chances of a positive outcome by seeking regular prenatal care and watching for warning symptoms of these serious conditions.

When to call your doctor: If you ever turn yellow or your eyes turn yellow, call a doctor. If you experience severe itching all over, of if you have severe pain in the upper right part of your abdomen, consult with a doctor right away. If you feel fatigued and generally lousy, consult a physician.

Here’s To An Easier Nine Months

In an effort to accommodate a healthy pregnancy, your digestive system may sometimes seem like it’s letting you down. Fortunately, GI problems during pregnancy tend to resolve after birth, but until you reach the end of your nine months, take steps toward better GI functioning. Treating the problem sooner rather than later may allow you to more fully enjoy your pregnancy.