Jaundice During Pregnancy: Causes, Risks, Diagnosis, and Management
Pregnancy brings many physiological changes to the body, including alterations in liver function. Jaundice during pregnancy occurs when bilirubin levels rise in the blood, leading to yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes. While some cases are mild, jaundice can sometimes indicate serious pregnancy-related liver disorders requiring prompt medical evaluation.
1. What Is Jaundice During Pregnancy?
Jaundice refers to the yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes caused by an accumulation of bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced from the breakdown of red blood cells and is normally processed by the liver and excreted through bile.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased metabolic demands can affect liver function, potentially worsening underlying conditions or triggering pregnancy-specific liver disorders.
2. How Common Is Jaundice in Pregnancy?
- Occurs in approximately 1–3% of pregnancies worldwide
- More common in the third trimester
- Higher prevalence in regions with endemic viral hepatitis
- Rare but serious conditions may occur near term
3. Causes of Jaundice During Pregnancy
Pregnancy-Specific Causes
- Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP)
- HELLP Syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets)
- Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP)
Non–Pregnancy-Related Causes
- Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, E)
- Gallstones or bile duct obstruction
- Chronic liver disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
4. Symptoms and Warning Signs
Symptoms depend on the underlying cause but may include:
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Generalized itching, especially in cholestasis
- Fatigue, nausea, or abdominal discomfort
Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms are accompanied by confusion, bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or high blood pressure.
5. Diagnostic Evaluation
A structured medical assessment helps identify the cause and severity of jaundice:
- Blood tests: Liver function tests, bilirubin levels, bile acids
- Coagulation profile: To assess bleeding risk
- Imaging: Ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder
- Serological tests: Viral hepatitis screening
6. Maternal Health Risks
- Liver dysfunction or failure in severe cases
- Bleeding disorders due to impaired clotting
- Hypertensive complications in HELLP syndrome
- Increased need for intensive medical monitoring
7. Fetal and Neonatal Risks
- Preterm birth
- Fetal distress
- Low birth weight
- Stillbirth in severe untreated cases
Fetal risks vary depending on the cause and severity of maternal jaundice, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and monitoring.
8. Management and Treatment Approaches
Treatment is individualized and depends on the underlying diagnosis:
- ICP: Medications to reduce bile acids and regular fetal monitoring
- HELLP syndrome: Blood pressure control and planned delivery
- AFLP: Immediate medical stabilization and delivery
- Viral hepatitis: Supportive care and specialist referral
Supportive care includes hydration, nutritional support, and close maternal-fetal observation.
9. Delivery Planning and Monitoring
- Timing of delivery based on maternal and fetal condition
- Continuous fetal monitoring when indicated
- Multidisciplinary care involving obstetric and medical specialists
10. Postpartum Follow-Up
- Monitoring liver function recovery
- Assessment for recurrence in future pregnancies
- Newborn evaluation for jaundice or prematurity-related issues
11. Emotional Wellbeing and Pregnancy Loss Support
Pregnancy complications can be emotionally distressing. In some cases, severe maternal illness may increase the risk of pregnancy loss. Supportive care, clear communication, and psychological support are essential parts of comprehensive maternal healthcare.
Healthcare teams should provide empathetic counseling, address emotional concerns, and guide families toward appropriate support services when needed.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is jaundice during pregnancy always serious? No. Some cases are mild, but evaluation is essential to rule out serious conditions.
- Can jaundice be prevented? Not always, but early antenatal care and timely investigations reduce risks.
- Does jaundice affect future pregnancies? Some conditions may recur and require closer monitoring.
13. Key Takeaway
Jaundice during pregnancy is a medical condition that requires careful assessment and individualized management. With timely diagnosis, appropriate monitoring, and coordinated care, most women achieve favorable maternal and fetal outcomes.
Author Information
Dr Humaira Latif
Registered Medical Practitioner
Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Clinical Experience: 14 years
Last Updated: January 7, 2026
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References
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Maternal Health Guidelines
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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