Overview:
Liver pain during pregnancy may be caused by any condition affecting the liver.
The liver is located on the upper right side of the abdomen and plays a crucial role in metabolism, digestion, etc. During pregnancy, the liver may be affected by various conditions that can cause pain.
The pain of the liver in pregnancy is rare.
But, you need to see your doctor right away if you are pregnant and have liver pain.
Still,
Don't worry; let's know the causes, treatments, and more about prenatal liver pain!
Where exactly is liver pain felt during pregnancy?
Liver pain during pregnancy is felt in the upper right abdomen, below the rib cage.
Most of the time liver pain can often be felt in other parts of the abdomen and could be hard to identify from other types of abdominal pain.
If you feel the pain is severe and getting worse day by day, you must consult a doctor.
By that time, try to avoid heavy activities like lifting, and engaging in heavy work to avoid further complications. The doctor also advices an anomaly scan to assess the pregnancy thoroughly and determine the presence of any rare conditions, including those of the brain, spine, and heart.
Every sickness has a cause.
Let's discuss the reasons for liver pain during pregnancy.
What are the causes of liver pain during pregnancy?
The discomfort of the liver in pregnancy is uncommon.
However, suppose a pregnant woman does experience liver pain.
In that situation, it is most likely due to hepatic hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness that can cause
- Dehydration,
- Malnutrition,
- weight loss,
- Nausea and vomiting.
Below we have discussed several more complications of liver pain during pregnancy-
Hepatitis-
This is a type of liver infection that causes liver damage. Reasons could be viral infections, alcohol abuse, or certain medications.
Cirrhosis-
This is the type of liver damage ( Cirrhosis) that causes scars, which leads to severe problems like inflammation and impaired function. Reasons could be autoimmune diseases and viral infections.
Liver cancer-
This is a rare but severe condition that occurs when cancer cells form in the liver. It can cause liver pain and other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice.
Hormonal changes-
Pregnancy hormones can cause the liver to work harder, which may cause pain.
Gallstones-
Pregnancy increases the risk of developing gallstones, which can cause pain in the upper right abdomen.
Preeclampsia-
This condition can occur during pregnancy. It can cause pain in the upper right abdomen due to high pressure and protein in the urine.
Other liver conditions-
Conditions like fatty liver, autoimmune hepatitis, cholestasis, and biliary cirrhosis can also cause liver pain during pregnancy.
Some other causes of liver pain could also be muscle strains, gas, constipation, or even a baby's movement.
All of these conditions cause pain and inflammation, as well as other symptoms such as dizziness, abdominal pain, and fainting.
If not treated properly, it could lead to even liver transplants in severe conditions.
It is better to consult a doctor in the best hospital for better and proper treatment.
If you are pregnant and experiencing liver pain, you need to consult your doctor as soon as possible to determine the exact cause and further treatment.
Your health is too important to ignore – schedule your appointment now.
As the treatment would depend on the cause and may include lifestyle changes, surgery, or medications.
Is pregnancy-related liver pain severe? When should you be concerned?
Let us see!
Is liver pain during pregnancy severe? When should you worry about it?
Pregnancy-related liver pain may be a sign of a serious chronic condition and must be examined by a doctor.
Some possible causes of liver pain during pregnancy are discussed below-
- Liver inflammation
- Abdominal pain,
- Dizziness
- fainting
- Hyperemesis gravidarum
- Gestational diabetes
Pre-eclampsia and hepatitis, on the other hand, can be more serious and need more intensive medical care.
If you are experiencing other symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, high blood pressure, protein in the urine, swelling of ankles, or hands.
These signs could lead to a serious ailment that needs immediate medical attention.
It is also important to follow a healthy lifestyle like eating a balanced diet and avoiding alcohol during pregnancy, for the health of the baby and mother.
It is important to remember that every pregnancy is different and that it is always better to be cautious and speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Take charge of your health and your life. Contact us today!
What should be done if you feel liver pain during pregnancy?
Liver pain during pregnancy if left untreated, could also lead to severe medical conditions like pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome. That could be harmful to you and your baby.
Before consulting the doctor to get some relief from the pain you can take some pain medications.
- Get plenty of rest,
- Stay hydrated.
And if you are experiencing severe pain or other symptoms like
- Nausea,
- vomiting,
- or jaundice
Avoid taking medications or supplements without a doctor's consultation. as it could be more life-threatening.
What are you thinking?
Can liver discomfort during pregnancy go away on its own?
Let's continue reading to learn more!
Can liver pain heal on its own during pregnancy?
Liver pain can resolve on its own during pregnancy, depending on the cause of the pain.
Conditions like viral infections, liver inflammation, and other diseases can cause liver pain during pregnancy. Some of this may resolve on its own, while some may need severe medications.
Sometimes, liver pain may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical treatment.
For example, severe complications like liver cancer, cirrhosis, liver tumors, and viral infections like hepatitis A, B, or C require medical care to manage the condition and prevent further liver damage.
Don't stop; scroll down
To find out how to cure liver pain while pregnant.
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), is also known as obstetric cholestasis. It is a condition that affects the liver during pregnancy.
Some major symptoms of ICP are:
- Itching
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
The first-line therapy for ICP is often ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a medication used to treat liver conditions.UDCA is usually given at a dose of twice daily or 15 mg/kg daily.
Disclaimer: This information is shared for informational purposes only.
Taking your doctor’s advice before using any medication is a must.
If you are pregnant, discussing the potential risks and benefits of taking UDCA with your healthcare provider is necessary.
Other Treatments for healing the pain in the liver are as follows:
Antiviral medications - If the cause is a viral infection such as hepatitis A, B, or C. Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug to clear the infection and reduce inflammation.
Pain medications - If the liver pain is severe or persistent, your doctor may prescribe pain medications to help manage the pain.
Surgery - In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a liver tumor or repair damage to the liver if detected.
Other medications - Depending on the cause of the liver pain.
For example, if the reason is liver inflammation, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation.
What if it's left untreated?
Let’s have a look!
What happens if liver pain during pregnancy is left untreated?
If the liver pain is not treated during pregnancy, it can lead to major complications that can affect the baby's and the mother's health.
The underlying condition may worsen and result in more serious health issues, depending on the reason for the liver pain.
Let's see an example -
If the liver pain is caused by inflammation or damage, the liver may not function properly.
Which could lead to severe health problems like liver failure, which could be life-threatening.
If you are pregnant, it is very crucial to consult your doctor if you are experiencing liver pain or any other symptoms.
Early treatment reduces the risk of complications.
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