Spectrum of Liver: GI Disorders in Pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnant women are affected by gastrointestinal and liver disorders. These may or may not be related to pregnancy. Unrelated conditions are pre-existent or coincidental during pregnancy. Pregnancy may promote symptoms/alter course of new or pre-existing disease resulting in complications only during pregnancy. This in turn can have adverse effect on clinical course affecting mother and fetus. The management remains same but its effect on mother and fetus needs to be kept in mind with pro-active treatment. Severe liver diseases though rare during pregnancy can occasionally be life threatening. Pregnancy after bariatric surgery/liver transplant is possible but with thorough counseling and needs multidisciplinary approach. Endoscopy for GI problems, if required can be carried out by gastroenterologist with special attention. Hence, this article, for quick reference to tackle GI and liver disorders in pregnancy.

Keywords: Gastro-intestinal; Liver; Pregnancy.