Jaundice in Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Every woman's pregnancy is different, and there can be some complications. The condition known as jaundice is one of these. It's a condition that causes the skin and eyes to turn yellow due to an excess of bilirubin secretion in the bloodstream.

Several times pregnant women may have a mild form of jaundice. However, in some cases, it could be more serious and needs medical attention.

A variety of factors cause jaundice in pregnancy. It's essential to identify the specific cause before treatment can begin. So, let's take a look at the causes and symptoms of jaundice in pregnancy and how it can be treated.

What is jaundice during pregnancy?

Jaundice during pregnancy is a condition that causes the skin and eyes to turn yellow due to an excess of bilirubin secretion in the bloodstream.

Most people have a bilirubin level between 0.1 and 1.2 mg/dl. However, if levels surpass 2mg/dl during pregnancy, jaundice may appear in the form of yellowed eyes, skin, or urine.

Pregnant women have higher levels of bilirubin production. It makes them more likely to experience jaundice than non-pregnant women.

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What causes jaundice in pregnancy?

Infection or Viral Hepatitis is the most frequent trigger of jaundice during pregnancy. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E viruses can all cause the serious infection known as Viral Hepatitis.

These cause inflammation and damage to the liver cells leading to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.

Some of the other causes of jaundice in pregnancy include:

• Hyperemesis gravidarum: This happens during the first trimester and features extreme, unmitigated vomiting. Mild jaundice and liver dysfunction may be a sign of this condition.

• Cholestasis of pregnancy: This medical condition occurs due to the accumulation of bile in the liver. It causes an excess of bile salts to enter the bloodstream. Mothers may report itching in their palms and soles throughout the third trimester.

• Acute fatty liver during pregnancy: This is a rare condition because of the fat accumulation in the liver. It can cause jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

• Pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome: Hypertension and proteinuria are two symptoms of this medical condition. In some instances, this can lead to liver damage, high levels of enzymes in the liver, and jaundice.

Symptoms of jaundice in pregnancy

Jaundice symptoms in pregnancy may not be visible instantly. It may start with the yellowing of the eyes, which is one of the primary indicators. Other pregnancy jaundice symptoms include:

• Dark urine

• Itchy skin

• Light-coloured stools

• Nausea or vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Fatigue or weakness

• Fever

Symptoms of jaundice in pregnancy may vary from woman to woman. So, it's essential to consult a doctor if experiencing any of these symptoms.

How is jaundice diagnosed in pregnancy?

A doctor will check for jaundice by measuring the bilirubin levels in the blood. The doctor will consider it jaundice if it is above 2mg/dl.

The doctor may also perform a physical examination to check for other symptoms. He may also ask for extra tests to narrow down the cause of the illness.

If viral Hepatitis is suspected, the doctor may order a liver function test to check for increased levels of enzymes in the blood.

Different types of tests may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to check for signs of anaemia or infection.

• Liver enzymes test

• Viral hepatitis tests

• Ultrasound scan of the abdomen to check for any liver abnormalities.

Other tests may include urine tests, kidney function tests, and blood glucose levels.

Treatment of jaundice in pregnancy

Most people don't know how to prevent jaundice during pregnancy and what is the treatment for jaundice in pregnancy.

The first step is to identify the cause of jaundice and then treat it accordingly.

The purpose of treatment is to control the condition, avert medical issues and address the root cause. The doctor might prescribe medications and supportive therapy.

Following are the treatment options for jaundice in pregnancy:

• Supplementing the body with intravenous fluids to replenish hydration and nutrition levels

• Fever medication

• Anti-vomiting medication

• Drugs for handling cholestasis of pregnancy

• Providing comprehensive, interdisciplinary treatment for severe liver illness.

To ensure the fetus's health, medical professionals regularly perform check-ups, ultrasounds, and heartbeat monitoring in all circumstances.

What should we eat in jaundice during pregnancy?

It's important to incorporate a balanced diet for jaundice during pregnancy. Eating foods that are packed with essential nutrients and vitamins is recommended. These include whole grains, lean proteins, leafy greens, legumes, low-fat dairy, and fruits.

It's also important to drink plenty of fluids and to stay hydrated at all times. Water, coconut water, and fruit juices are recommended for this purpose.

When should I contact a health professional?

Consulting a health professional if experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above is imperative. The doctor can diagnose and treat jaundice properly to ensure a safe pregnancy. He will also provide information about which antibiotic is best for jaundice in pregnancy. The doctor will also provide advice on how to prevent jaundice in the future.

References

1. Lunzer MR. (1989). Jaundice in pregnancy. Baillieres Clin Gastroenterol.

2. Changede P, Chavan N, Raj N, Gupta P. (2019). An Observational Study to Evaluate the Maternal and Foetal Outcomes in Pregnancies Complicated with Jaundice. J Obstet Gynaecol India.

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