Autoimmune hepatitis in pregnancy

The woman with autoimmune hepatitis can become pregnant and have a successful pregnancy, as long as she is regularly monitored by her obstetrician and hepatologist to avoid complications, such as hemorrhage or rejection of the baby, for example.

Generally, autoimmune hepatitis in pregnancy does not need treatment, but if it is necessary to take the medicines for autoimmune hepatitis every day can and should only be used under the guidance of the hepatologist.

Autoimmune hepatitis in pregnancy has no cure, but during this period the woman may experience improvement in symptoms, as the disease tends to develop more slowly.

Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis in pregnancy

The symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis in pregnancy are the same as those of the disease outside this period and include:

Excessive tiredness; Pain and muscle weakness; Loss of appetite; Abdominal pain; Yellow skin and eyes; Itching in the joints; Exaggerated increase in the belly, for gestational age.

The symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis can vary according to the stage of development of the disease, however, during pregnancy the symptoms tend to be milder.

Treatment for autoimmune hepatitis in pregnancy

Treatment for autoimmune hepatitis during pregnancy can be done at home with the intake of corticosteroid medications prescribed by the hepatologist, such as Prednisone which reduces inflammation of the liver, keeping it controlled during pregnancy.

However, in some cases, autoimmune hepatitis in pregnancy may develop more slowly and cause minor damage, so the doctor may recommend that the pregnant woman stop taking the drugs, as they are not having a significant result.. In these cases it is recommended to have regular consultations with the obstetrician and the hepatologist.

Autoimmune hepatitis is usually not passed from mother to baby and, therefore, no special treatment is needed during pregnancy.