Fatty liver during pregnancy

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP), also known as Obstetric Cholestasis, is a liver disorder characterized by the buildup of bile acids in the bloodstream during pregnancy. It typically occurs in the third trimester and affects approximately 1 in 130,000 pregnant women. The exact cause of ICP is unknown, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

The main symptom of ICP is severe itching, particularly on the hands and feet. Other symptoms may include dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). ICP can pose risks to both the mother and the baby, including preterm birth, fetal distress, and stillbirth, although the majority of pregnancies are successful with proper management.

If you are experiencing persistent vomiting and general weakness in the late stages of pregnancy, it is important to consult your healthcare provider to evaluate the cause of these symptoms. While they can be associated with various conditions, including ICP, only a medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Prevention of Gestational Fatty Liver

1. High protein intake can protect liver cells and promote their repair and regeneration. Foods rich in protein include tofu, dried tofu skin, lean meats, fish, shrimp, and skimmed milk.
2. Fresh green leafy vegetables should be consumed to meet the pregnant mother’s vitamin needs. However, vegetables and fruits that are high in sugar should not be consumed excessively.
3. Limiting salt intake to around 6 grams per day is advisable.
4. Drink an adequate amount of water to promote metabolism and facilitate the elimination of waste products from the body.
5. Eat foods rich in methionine, such as millet, buckwheat noodles, sesame, rapeseed, spinach, cauliflower, beets, dried shrimp, scallops, and mussels. These foods can promote phospholipid synthesis in the body and assist in the conversion of fat within liver cells.
6. To prevent fatty liver, it is important to control calorie intake. Pregnant women who are overweight should gradually lose weight to bring their weight within the normal range.
7. Limiting the intake of fats and carbohydrates is recommended. For fats, it is advisable to consume 0.5-0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, preferably from sources like vegetable oils or foods rich in long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, such as fish. As for carbohydrates, a daily intake of 2-4 grams per kilogram of body weight is suitable, and excessive consumption of sugars should be avoided.
8. Avoid spicy and irritating foods such as onions, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, black pepper, curry, and alcoholic beverages.

-The medical information presented here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.