Bad for the liver: is it possible to take pregnant women

Bad for the liver and pregnancy: the path to safe support or risk to the health of mother and child?

Pregnancy is a period of tremendous changes in the body of a woman. The work of internal organs, in particular the liver, experiences an increased load. Hormonal vibrations, an increase in the volume of circulating blood, the need to process the metabolites of the mother and fetus – all this creates the conditions for functional impaired liver. In this regard, pregnant women often have the question of the appropriateness and safety of the use of hepatoprotectors, in particular biologically active additives (dietary supplements) for the liver. However, the decision to take any drugs during pregnancy, including dietary supplements, must be justified, balanced and agreed with the doctor. Self -medication is unacceptable, as it can harm both the mother and the developing child.

Increased load on the liver during pregnancy: Physiological aspects

The liver performs many vital functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis (albumin, blood coagulation factors), metabolism of hormones and fats, glycogen accumulation and bile production. During pregnancy, an additional load lies on the liver:

• Hormonal restructuring: A significant increase in the level of estrogen and progesterone affects the metabolism of the liver. Estrogens can cause cholestasis (stagnation of bile) and increase the risk of bile stones.
• Increasing the volume of circulating blood: An increase in the volume of blood requires intensive work on the synthesis of proteins necessary to maintain normal oncotic pressure.
• Metabolism of mother and fetus exchange products: The mother’s liver plays a key role in the disposal of the exchange of exchange products of both the mother and the fetus. This increases the load on the detoxification function of the organ.
• Violation of the jelly -tone: The growing uterus can exert pressure on the bile paths, which can lead to pregnant women cholestasis.
• Precomports and Eclampsia: These serious complications of pregnancy are characterized by an increase in blood pressure and proteinuria, and may be accompanied by impaired liver function.

Common liver problems during pregnancy:

Due to the increased load, pregnant women may occur various liver function disorders:

• Pregnant cholestas (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnant women): The most common specific liver disease during pregnancy. It is characterized by itching of the skin (especially palms and feet) and an increase in the level of bile acids in the blood. The reason has not been fully clarified, but hormonal changes play a key role. It can lead to premature birth and other complications.
• Hyperemesis of pregnant women (indomitable vomiting of pregnant women): A severe form of nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and violation of the electrolyte balance. In severe cases, liver damage can cause.
• Acute fat dystrophy of the liver of pregnant women: A rare, but very dangerous disease that can lead to liver failure and death. It is characterized by the deposition of fat in the liver cells (hepatocytes).
• Precomports and Eclampsia: As already mentioned, these complications of pregnancy can cause impaired liver function, including an increase in the level of hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST).
• Exacerbation of chronic liver diseases: If a woman before pregnancy had chronic liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis), then pregnancy can provoke their exacerbation.

Bad for the liver: what is it and what components are included in the composition?

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are products that, according to manufacturers, have a positive effect on the liver function, contribute to its detoxification and protection against damage. They are not drugs and do not go through the same strict clinical trials as medicines. The composition of dietary supplements for the liver can be very diverse and include various plant extracts, vitamins, minerals and other biologically active substances. The most common components:

• Milk thistle (Silybum Marianum): Contains silimarin, which has antioxidant, hepatoprotective and anti -inflammatory properties. It is believed that silimarin helps restore liver cells and protects them from damage caused by toxins.
• Field artichoke (Cynara Scolymus): Contains zinarin, which stimulates the production of bile and improves digestion. It is believed that the artichoke has hepatoprotective properties and contributes to the detoxification of the liver.
• Phospholipids (essential phospholipids): Are the main components of cell membranes and are involved in the restoration of the structure and function of the liver cells. It is believed that phospholipids improve lipid metabolism in the liver and contribute to its detoxification.
• Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC): Biletic acid, which has holeret (stimulates the production of bile) and hepatoprotective effects. Used to treat cholestasis and other liver diseases. However, UDCC is a drug, not a dietary supplement, although sometimes it can be part of some dietary supplements in low dosages.
• B vitamins B: Participate in many metabolic processes in the liver and contribute to its normal work.
• Amino acids (methionine, Arginine, ornitin): Participate in the detoxification of ammonia in the liver.
• Kurkuma (Curcuma longa): Contains curcumin, which has antioxidant, anti -inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties.
• Drug Dympoline (Fumaria Officinalis): Contains fumaric acid, which has a choleretic and antispasmodic effect.
• Immortal sandy (Helichrysum Arenarium): It has a choleretic, anti -inflammatory and antibacterial effect.

Risks of taking dietary supplements for the liver during pregnancy: what you need to know

Despite the fact that many dietary supplements for the liver are positioned as “natural” and “safe”, their reception during pregnancy can be associated with certain risks:

• Clinical research insufficiency: Most dietary supplements do not go through strict clinical trials for safety and efficiency, especially in relation to pregnant women. This means that there is no sufficient data on how they affect the development of the fetus and the health of the mother.
• Possible side effects: Some components of dietary supplements can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions. In pregnant women, these side effects can be more pronounced.
• Interaction with other drugs: Bades can interact with other drugs that a pregnant woman takes, which can change their effectiveness or enhance side effects.
• Risk for the fetus: Some components of dietary supplements can penetrate through the placenta and have a toxic effect on the developing fruit. This can lead to congenital defects, developmental delay and other health problems.
• Inaccurate information on the label: The composition of the dietary supplement indicated on the label may not be true. This can lead to the use of substances that are contraindicated during pregnancy.
• Masks of serious diseases: Reception of dietary supplements can mask the symptoms of serious liver diseases, which delays timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Overdose possibility: Some dietary supplements contain high doses of vitamins and minerals, which can lead to an overdose and adverse health consequences.

When dietary supplements for the liver can be considered during pregnancy (only as prescribed by a doctor!)

In some cases, the doctor can consider the possibility of prescribing dietary supplements for the liver to a pregnant woman, but only if there are strict indications and after a thorough assessment of risks and benefits. At the same time, the following conditions must be observed:

• The presence of clear indications: Bad for the liver can be prescribed if there are specific problems with the liver, such as pregnant cholestas or exacerbation of a chronic liver disease, and only if other treatment methods are ineffective or contraindicated.
• Individual approach: The doctor should take into account the individual characteristics of each pregnant woman, including her history, health status, drugs taken and possible allergic reactions.
• Choosing a safe dietary supplement: The doctor must choose a dietary supplement that contains components with proven safety for pregnant women, and in dosages that are not at risk for the fetus.
• Thorough control: During the use of dietary supplements, it is necessary to carefully monitor the health status of a pregnant woman and fetus in order to timely identify possible side effects.
• Short reception course: The liver dietary supplements should be accepted by a short course to minimize the risk of adverse consequences.
• Informed consent: A pregnant woman should be fully informed about possible risks and the benefits of taking Bad, and give her informed consent to treatment.

What components of dietary supplements for the liver are considered relatively safe (with adequate dosages and under the supervision of a doctor)?

Some components of dietary supplements for the liver are considered relatively safe for admission during pregnancy, but only subject to adequate dosages and under the supervision of a doctor:

• Milk thistle (Silybum Marianum): Silimarin is considered relatively safe for pregnant women, but high doses must be avoided. Some studies show that silimarin can have a hepatoprotective effect in pregnant women cholestasis, but additional studies are needed to confirm this data.
• Phospholipids (essential phospholipids): They are considered relatively safe for pregnant women, as they are the main components of cell membranes. However, it is necessary to observe the recommended dosages.
• B vitamins B: Important for the normal functioning of the liver and can be useful with increased load on the organ during pregnancy. However, an overdose must be avoided, especially vitamin B6.

The components of dietary supplements, which should be avoided during pregnancy:

Some components of dietary supplements for the liver are contraindicated during pregnancy, as they can represent a risk to the health of the mother and fetus:

• Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC) in high doses: Although UDCH is an effective medicine for the treatment of pregnant women cholestasis, its use in high doses may be associated with the risk of side effects. You can take UDC only as prescribed by a doctor and under his strict control. Do not take dietary supplements containing UDHK without consulting a doctor.
• Field artichoke (Cynara Scolymus): It has a choleretic effect, which can be undesirable in some diseases of the liver during pregnancy. In addition, the artichoke can cause allergic reactions.
• Kurkuma (Curcuma longa): It has a strong choleretic effect and can stimulate uterine contractions, which is undesirable during pregnancy.
• Drug Dympoline (Fumaria Officinalis): It has an antispasmodic effect, which can be undesirable in some conditions during pregnancy.
• Immortal sandy (Helichrysum Arenarium): It can cause allergic reactions.
• Alcohol tinctures and extracts: Contain alcohol, which is contraindicated during pregnancy.
• Bades with unproven efficiency and safety: Do not take dietary supplements that do not have sufficient clinical studies confirming their effectiveness and safety for pregnant women.

Alternative methods of liver support during pregnancy (safe and effective)

Instead of taking dietary supplements, you can use safer and more effective methods to maintain liver health during pregnancy:

• Healthy nutrition: Balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat proteins, helps reduce the load on the liver. Fatty, fried, spicy and salty foods, as well as foods with a high sugar content, should be avoided.
• Abundant drink: Sufficient consumption of fluid (water, herbal teas, compotes) helps to remove toxins from the body and maintain the normal function of the liver.
• Regular physical exercises: Moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, yoga for pregnant women) improves blood circulation and promotes the liver detoxification.
• Refusal of bad habits: Smoking and alcohol use are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy, as they have a toxic effect on the liver and can lead to serious consequences for the health of the mother and child.
• Treatment of concomitant diseases: Timely treatment of diseases that can affect the liver function (diabetes, obesity) helps prevent damage.
• Consultation with a doctor: For any health problems, you must consult a doctor who can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

The role of the doctor in making a decision on taking dietary supplement for the liver during pregnancy

The decision to take any drugs during pregnancy, including dietary supplements for the liver, should be taken only after consulting a doctor. The doctor will conduct an examination, evaluate the health status of a pregnant woman and fetus, identify possible contraindications and determine if there is a need to receive dietary supplements. The doctor will also be able to choose the safest and most effective dietary supplement, prescribe an adequate dosage and control the health status during treatment. Self -medication is unacceptable, as it can harm both the mother and the developing child. It is important to remember that the health of the mother and the unborn child is the main priority during pregnancy. Therefore, do not take risks and take unverified drugs without consulting a doctor. Safe and healthy pregnancy is the result of a responsible approach to your health and cooperation with a doctor.