How To Support Liver Health During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey that brings an abundance of joy and love into a woman’s life. However, this magical experience also comes with immense responsibility and challenges, especially when it comes to the health of the mother and growing baby.

The liver, the unsung hero of the body, plays a crucial role in keeping both the mother and baby healthy during this critical time. t is well-known that filtering toxins, metabolising nutrients, and producing bile to aid digestion are some critical functions the liver performs. Yet, it often goes unnoticed and unappreciated, leaving it vulnerable to overburdening and potential complications. With the increased demands and challenges of pregnancy, the liver can become overburdened and may not function optimally, leading to potential risks and complications. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize liver health during pregnancy.

Let's understand how women can support their liver health during pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing complications and promote optimal health for themselves and their babies.

Why is liver health during pregnancy important

Liver health during pregnancy is crucial. This is because the liver supports both the mother’s and the developing baby’s health. While the liver performs a wide range of functions in the body, its responsibility increases during pregnancy.

• During pregnancy, the liver fulfils the increased demands of the mother's body due to the hormonal and metabolic changes that occur during this phase. For example, the liver must work harder to process the increased levels of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, produced during pregnancy.
• The liver is also entrusted with the added responsibility of processing and eliminating any medications, supplements, or other substances the mother consumes, which can further strain its functioning.

It is also important to understand that the maternal blood volume and heart rate increase significantly, but there is no change in the blood supply to the liver.

What happens if the liver does not function normally during pregnancy

If the liver is not functioning properly during pregnancy, it can give rise to complications in the mother and the baby, which can be life-threatening to one or both.

One of the risks is developing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). This condition is characterized by impaired bile flow from the liver. As a result, ICP can cause severe itching and jaundice (yellowing of skin and white of the eye, pale stools, dark urine). It also increases the risk of preterm birth, foetal distress, and stillbirth.

Besides ICP, other potential liver disorders that may arise during pregnancy include:

• Cholestasis (slowing or stopping of bile flow)
• Hyperemesis Gravidarum (severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy)
• Non-alcoholic Acute fatty liver disease
• Gestational diabetes
• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy)
• HELLP syndrome (A severe form of preeclampsia that can cause liver damage and other serious complications)

These conditions can significantly impact the health of the mother and her baby, highlighting the importance of supporting liver health during pregnancy.

How to support liver health during pregnancy

While pregnant women and those around them take extra care during this sensitive time, little thought is given towards liver health. We've got you some tips on how you can support your liver health during pregnancy:

1. Eat a nutritious and balanced diet

A balanced diet that is rich in whole foods, fibre, and antioxidants can help support liver health during pregnancy.

This is because these foods provide the body with the nutrients and antioxidants it needs to function properly and can also help promote healthy digestion and elimination. Examples of foods to include in a liver-healthy diet include:

• Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables: Spinach, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower are rich sources of folate, vitamin C, and fibre. These nutrients help keep the liver healthy during pregnancy and contain powerful antioxidant compounds. Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables are easy to add to salads, soups, stir-fries, or smoothies for a nutrient-packed meal or snack.
• Nuts and seeds: These tiny wonders are an excellent source of healthy fats, fibre, and nutrients like vitamin E, which protect liver cells from damage due to inflammation. They also contain magnesium and zinc, which are required for various liver enzyme functions. Snacking on a few almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds, or sprinkling them on salads or oatmeal for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Fruits high in vitamin C: Fruits like oranges, kiwi, papaya, and strawberries are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant which helps protect liver cells from oxidative stress.

Vitamin C prevents fat accumulation in the liver and prevents inflammatory damage to the liver. Incorporate these fruits into your diet as a snack or dessert, or add them to smoothies or salads for extra flavour and nutrition.

2. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential, and more so during pregnancy. Staying hydrated is also good for your liver as it helps flush toxins and waste products out of the body, thereby reducing the burden on the liver.

3. Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine

The liver metabolises and eliminates alcohol and caffeine. When consumed in excess amounts, these substances can overwhelm the liver. During pregnancy, when the liver is already burdened with changes in the body, consuming excessive amounts of caffeine or alcohol can harm the liver and jeopardise the health of the mother and the baby. 

So, it is advised that pregnant women limit their consumption of these substances during pregnancy.

4. Get regular exercise 

Regular exercise can also help support liver health during pregnancy. Exercise improves blood circulation, promotes healthy digestion and aids in the removal of wastes and toxins, all of which reduce the burden on the liver.

Exercise also helps maintain optimum weight during pregnancy, which reduces the risk of common conditions like fatty liver, gestational diabetes, etc., which can significantly impact the liver's functioning.

5. Avoid exposure to toxins and chemicals

During pregnancy, avoiding exposure to toxins and chemicals that can harm the liver is vital. These include cleaning products and other household chemicals containing harsh or toxic ingredients. Additionally, environmental toxins like those found in polluted air should be avoided.

6. Use safe supplements 

Many women are drawn to natural remedies and supplements during their pregnancy. However, you must ensure they are safe for consumption by pregnant women. Many supplements and

natural remedies can also help support liver health during pregnancy. Milk thistle and dandelion root are traditionally used to support liver health and function. However, always speak with your doctor before using any medicines, supplements, herbal or natural remedies during pregnancy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the liver is an unsung hero that performs vital functions essential for the health of both the mother and the growing baby during pregnancy. Neglecting liver health can lead to significant risks and complications, causing undue stress and anxiety for the mother and potential harm to the baby.

However, with proper care and attention, women can support their liver health during pregnancy, ensuring a healthy and happy journey for themselves and their babies. Let's not forget the invaluable role of the liver and give it the attention it deserves. After all, a healthy liver means a happy and healthy pregnancy.