Managing Fatty Liver During Pregnancy

Managing Fatty Liver During Pregnancy

Introduction:

Acute Fatty Liver Disease (AFLP) is rare but potentially fatal complication that usually occurs in the third trimester of early post-partum. Although the exact pathogenesis is unknown it is thought to be linked to foetal fatty acid metabolism. Having worked as a gentle birth practitioners for many years I believe that most pregnancy complications are caused through a low-grade Fatty Liver Syndrome (FLS). AFLD, or hepatic steatosis, occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver causing the liver then not function properly.

In this very busy world we live in we know that stress is a key factor in fat met metabolism and so, by look at the causes of non-alcoholic related FLD listed below, it would make sense that pregnant women would be susceptible to developing FLS. This article will explore FLD in relation to pregnancy and what we can to mitigate the effects.

Understanding Fatty Liver Disease:

There are two forms of Fatty Liver disease types

1. Alcohol Related Fatty Liver Disease (ALD) – affects about 5% of the drinking population. Symptoms generally improve when alcohol is stopped. Can lead to serious issues such as enlarged liver, liver cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis
2. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – This occurs in about 1-3 adults in the US and other developed countries. In children it is roughly about 10% and is on the incline. Developing countries are rapidly catching up though. Although there isn’t sufficient evidence yet the leaning is that obesity and diabetes will increase you chances of getting it. There are two forms of NAFLD – Simple Fatty Liver where you have fat present in your liver but no inflammation or damage to your cells. Most people have this type. Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). This is much more serious as inflammation causes liver cell damage which can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver scaring and cancer. This is not prevalent in pregnancy but might occur more in countries with poor sewage and water hygiene.

Presentation of Fatty Liver Disease in Pregnancy:

1. Often present with nonspecific symptoms in the early stages such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, malaise, fatigue, headache and abdominal pain.
2. On physical examination there may be some possible liver tenderness however the liver is usually small and non-palpable. They may feel fever like, look jaundiced in later stages for about 70% of patients.
3. In severe cases, the patient can present with multisystem involvement including acute renal failure, encephalopathy (brain swelling), gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis and coagulopathy (bleeding). Some women may also have pre-eclampsia as well, with oedema (swelling in the tissues)and hypertension (high blood pressure).

“A healthy liver during pregnancy is a gift to your future self and your newborn. Embrace wellness with every choice.”

Predisposing factors contributing to FLD:

1. Obesity
2. Type 2 Diabetes or people with Insulin Intolerance
3. Malnourished
4. Chronic viral hepatitis, especially Hepatitis C
5. African American, Hispanic, immigrant from developing economies adopting high carbohydrate and fatty diet
6. Repeated exposure to toxic chemicals
7. Drink alcohol
8. High levels of stress & Raised cholesterol levels
9. Poor sleeping habits
10. Polycystic ovaries
11. Medical conditions that cause your body to store fat – gall bladder removal, certain drugs, rapid weight loss, infections, under-active pituitary, fertility treatments (NB)

Personal Client Story:

I had a young 25-year-old client who came to me for pre-pregnant preparation. She had had pelvic infections when she was younger which had affected her tubes and so she was to receive IVF treatment. She immediately got pregnant with twins on her first go which was wonderful but due to becoming increasingly busy and she stopped coming for treatment. When she was 36 weeks she arrived and I was shocked because she looked like the “Michelin Man”. Her arms, hands, fingers and legs were so swollen that she was struggling to move.

I couldn’t believe that she was in such a bad condition. I inquired whether her midwife had identified and issues as pre-eclampsia was high on my concerns. She informed that all her blood work was ok and other than the swell and being uncomfortable she wasn’t showing any signs of pre-eclampsia. And to be fair unless you do a liver profile you might not see see much evidence of an liver issue. However,  the moment I touched her body I was extremely worried. In that session we did the normal pregnancy reflexology treatment and she felt lighter afterwards but I insisted that I see her the following week and I wouldn’t accept a refusal. On her next appointment I just had a bad feeling and asked her if I could  start trying to induce her – I was that worried that there was a problem and felt that these babies had to come out now.

Everything in me was screaming that she would die if I didn’t do this. I was so scared but I knew what I had to do!

Since she was now 37 weeks and the babies were old enough to survive outside the womb, she agreed . She had already been booked for an elective caesarean section at 39 weeks so it would just be a matter of bringing it forward. That evening following the treatment, she went into active labour and had a elected caesarean. After the birth she collapsed with Liver Failure and was in intensive care for two weeks. When I spoke to her husband to find out how she was doing, he told me that the doctors had said that if she hadn’t delivered, she probably would have died.

I believe that her problem was caused by the silent killer of Acute Fatty Liver Disease which if not managed properly in pregnancy has a mortality rate of 85%. It is often not diagnosed because of other common disorders such as pre-eclampsia, viral hepatitis or cholestasis of pregnancy. Nevertheless, I am happy to say that 3 months later she was back to her normal tiny build with two gorgeous babies in tow.

This is the reason why I am so insistent that pregnant women manage their metabolic state. However, the truth is because pregnancy is a natural part of life many women don’t see that they need to prepare for and manage their pregnancy 24/7.

Lifestyle and the Increase in FLS in Pregnancy:

Although pregnancy is the most natural process moving forward into today’s modern world has not always brought with it the benefits we expected. On the one hand we have a lot more available food to eat and on the other hand food is not as nutritionally dense as it used to be. So even if we are trying to eat healthily we are starting from a nutritional deficit.

Couple that with a modern diet that is designed to be quick and on the go. This is often a diet that is very unbalanced where simple carbohydrates are consumed frequently and often in too larger portions. Deep fried food and other delicious sweet morsels are generally full of trans-fatty acids. Trans-fatty acids actively displace the health Omega-3 fatty oils off your brain. Unfortunately because of poor or contradictory information regarding trans-fats many children were and still are, being fed bags of crisps. Parents are not made aware that this is the one of the worst thing they can do for their child’s brain. Omega-3 has a calming effect on the brain. If we don’t have it the brain becomes highly irritable. No wonder many kids have attention problems, their brains are inflamed.

There is an epidemic occurring and we need to change things now. It isn’t rocket science but because of so much contradicting information it is hard to get to the truth. Also the barrage of advertising people to eat these kinds of foods makes refusing it virtually impossible. However, if the food that we eat isn’t vibrant and fresh then it probably isn’t going to help us if we eat too much of it.

The truth is that ….
We are what we eat, what we think, feel and do!

If  we eat unhealthily and continue to do so the whole of our body will suffer eventually.
We need a healthy body in order to have a healthy mind and vice versa.

Preventing Fatty Liver in Pregnancy:

There are three ways to manage our body. To have a healthy body we need to understand that pregnancy foes into a pseudo-diabetic state. Nature tries to keep you blood sugar high so that your baby get a continuous injection of food. You baby gets the right amount when your blood sugars are not fluctuating and therefore the learning how to optimise the balance is key.

Below are the core approaches to managing for FLS in pregnancy. To be healthy during pregnancy we need to understand that pregnancy puts the body into a pseudo-diabetic state. Nature tries to keep your blood sugar high so that your baby get a continuous injection of food. You baby will always get the right amount if your blood sugars are not fluctuating. Therefore the learning how to optimise the your blood-sugar balance is key.

1. Fasting: Emerging research suggests that intermittent fasting might help improve liver function by reducing liver fat. Fasting also helps to promote neurogenesis in both mother and child. This means that mums feel more calm, confident and at ease. Babies who’s mothers regulate their blood sugars grow to an optimal birthweight, they also build stronger neural networks in areas of cognition and self-control. They are calmer, more resilient and anti-fragile. * However, fasting during pregnancy should always be approached with caution and under medical supervision, as the nutritional needs during pregnancy are unique and critical *.
2. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight gain during pregnancy can help manage FLD. This involves balanced eating and safe exercise, tailored to the needs and conditions of the pregnancy. In the Gentle Birth Method we try to help the digestive system as much as possible by having women go off wheat products. This is because most pregnant women lead busy lives and they are toxic. Reducing wheat based produces not only reduces the simple carbohydrates but it also regulate the pseudo-diabetic pregnancy state. Instead a diet that consists of complex carbohydrates such as whole-grain, brown rice, yams and potatoes in their jackets vegetables, nuts and good fats and minimal amount of lean unprocessed meats are encouraged.
3. Managing Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance often worsens during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters. Keeping an diet that is low in processed sugars and rich in fibre help to re-sensitise the cells to respond to insulin. Some pregnant women might also require some medication to manage their insulin levels effectively but usually diet is sufficient.
4. Emotional and Psychological Support: Many women need to learn how to listen to their inner wisdom and act upon it using that deeper knowing. It can be hard to change our patterns Pregnancy coaching helps a mum learn to find those old outdated stories that make it difficult to change such as believing they can’t take time to rest, eat properly, put their needs first, be respected by medical staff, are powerless, etc., and change them. They get to do a complete RESET. Pregnancy coaching RESETS you back onto a new path forward so that you can navigate your pregnancy and birth with ease and grace.

“Empower your pregnancy with knowledge and care—overcome challenges like fatty liver with confidence and support.”

Conclusion:

Unleashing Ourselves into New Possibilities:

In conclusion, Fatty Liver Disease during pregnancy, though challenging, can be effectively managed with careful monitoring and appropriate lifestyle adjustments. Understanding the differences between Alcohol-Related Fatty Liver Disease (ALD) and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), including its severe form, Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), is crucial for pregnant women and healthcare providers alike. By recognizing the risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance, and addressing these through dietary changes and possibly intermittent fasting under medical supervision, pregnant women can significantly mitigate the effects of FLD. Regular consultations with healthcare providers are essential to tailor a management plan that ensures the safety and health of both mother and baby. Ultimately, the proactive management of Fatty Liver Disease during pregnancy not only contributes to a safer childbirth but also promotes long-term health for both mother and child.

I have over 30 years of experience helping pregnant women. This is my purpose. From an esoteric perspective there are so many souls coming to reincarnate and evolve and they need to do this well in this lifetime and so, my job is to give them the best opportunity that I can by helping their mums.

If this resonates and you are ready I would love to support you on your journey. Book yourself in for a FREE introductory chat. In that session we can start exploring what you want and how I can help you you to achieve that outcome. We need to know where are your potential blocks (your biggest gaps) and what is in season to work with right now. Timing is everything and pregnancy is a time when we can do magnificent work together to help you make the biggest difference for you in attaining your outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: What is Fatty Liver Disease (FLD) in pregnancy?
   • Answer: Fatty Liver Disease in pregnancy involves the accumulation of excess fats in the liver, which can affect both the mother’s and baby’s health during pregnancy.
2. Question: How can Fatty Liver Disease affect a pregnancy?
   • Answer: FLD can increase the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and difficulties during delivery.
3. Question: Who is at higher risk of developing Fatty Liver Disease during pregnancy?
   • Answer: Pregnant women who are obese, have diabetes, insulin resistance, or poor nutritional habits are at higher risk.
4. Question: What role does fasting play in managing Fatty Liver Disease during pregnancy?
   • Answer: Emerging research suggests that intermittent fasting might help improve liver function by reducing liver fat, but it must be done under medical supervision due to the unique nutritional needs during pregnancy.
5. Question: Can Fatty Liver Disease be reversed during pregnancy?
   • Answer: Yes, with proper diet management, weight control, and medical supervision, the effects of Fatty Liver Disease can often be reversed or managed effectively during pregnancy.

General FAQ

If you have any questions, feedback, or need further assistance, you can easily message me through the contact form on my website. I strive to respond promptly to all inquiries and look forward to connecting with you!

How can I message you?

If you have any questions, feedback, or need further assistance, you can easily message me through the contact form on my website. I strive to respond promptly to all inquiries and look forward to connecting with you!

What services do you offer?

As a Pregnancy and Infertility coach, I specialize in helping professional women to navigate the challenges they experience on their pregnancy journey. I help them reclaim back control by provide them with a safe, non-judgmental space where they can openly express their feelings, fears, frustrations and be empowered to confidently create a safe, nurturing and loving environment for themselves and their unborn child.

My passion lies in empowering women to effect sustainable, positive changes in their lives. To achieve this, I employ a diverse range of transformational tools that help in the release of trauma, PTSD, grief, and loss, particularly those stemming from their primary mother wound. Together, we embark on a journey of growth and healing, inspiring each individual to find solutions that ensure a healthier and more fulfilling pregnancy experience.

Can anyone benefit from your coaching programs?

Absolutely! While my specialization is in tailored to working with professional women who are focused on issues surrounding pregnancy the primary trauma that most women experience is a the collect mother wound. My coaching programs and healing books are designed to benefit any individual, especially women, seeking to overcome trauma, heal deep wounds, and create a positive impact on their lives.

How can I access your trauma healing books?

You can access my trauma healing books, Amazon’s number one best-selling authors, through various platforms, including Amazon Kindle, paperback, and other online bookstores. Additionally, you may find links to these books on my website, making it convenient for you to explore and purchase them.

Using Conscious Pregnancy a Pathway to Sovereignty

A holistic approach is always going to be the best approach in treating anyone whether their goal is to heal or to evolve. Every decision we make is influenced by our emotions. Emotions are the physical or embodied part of our feeling or thoughts. Our brain tries to make sense of our sensations and feelings things by giving them labels. We do this because it is a quick way of accessing information. Therefore we need to have our body and mind working together in harmony. This is what I do. Together we create the right physical and mental environment to focus on the outcome that you want. We will look at things like regulating your diet, sleep, activities, etc. so that you can experience feeling of being more in control and living more joyously.

Are your coaching programs tailored for specific individuals?

Yes, my coaching programs are personalized to cater to the unique needs and goals of each individual. Whether you a want coaching for reasons such as improving relationships, spiritual connection, optimising health or seeking healing from the Mother Wound, I will work closely with you to design a program that aligns with your desires and aspirations and which will result in personal growth.

How can I stay updated on your offerings and events?

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Note:

Content and imaging co-created with myself and opensource AI technology

“Every step towards understanding and treating fatty liver in pregnancy is a step towards safer childbirth.”