Jaundice During Pregnancy: Definition, Causes, Diagnosis & Management

Jaundice In Pregnancy: The Causes, Symptoms, Risks And Safe Treatments:

Jaundice in pregnancy occurs when billy rubin levels rise in the blood stream, resulting in yellowing of the skin/eyes due to impaired processing by the liver, caused by liver problems; virus infections; gall stones; pregnancy related liver disorders, or any combination thereof. However, if detected early and treated appropriately, there is minimal risk to either the mother or her child/neonate.

LAST UPDATED: 11 MARCH 2026 

Author!

DR HUMAIRA LATIF

"Dr Humaira Latif is a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP)

A gynecologist/obstetrician with over 14 years of clinical experience. She completed her MBBS at KMU Peshawar. In addition, she has extensive experience with maternal health, pregnancy care, ultrasound diagnostics, and treatments.

• MATERNAL HEALTH.
• PREGNANCY.
• ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTICS. 
• AND TREATMENTS.

Disclaimer:

This article is intended solely for educational and informational use. It does not substitute for medical advice, diagnoses or treatment. If you notice that your eyes or skin are Turning YELLOW while PREGNANT — CALL A QUALIFIED DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY!

In This Article You Learn:

1. Understanding Jaundice in Pregnancy
2. Types of Jaundice
3. Causes of Jaundice During Pregnancy
4. How Common is Jaundice.
5. Common Symptoms of Jaundice in Pregnant Women
6. Diagnosis of Jaundice During Pregnancy
7. Consequences of Untreated Jaundice
8. Management and Safe Treatment
9. Healthy Tips to Keep the Liver Healthy During Pregnancy
10. When Should a Pregnant Woman Go to the Doctor
11. Frequently Asked Questions
12. Important Points to Remember

1.Understanding Jaundice in pregnancy:

There are many normal and safe changes that occur in women during pregnancy; although occasionally during pregnancy, one of those is Jaundice.

1.1 What Happens in the Body:

When liver isn't processing bilirubin as correctly as it should be processed. Bilirubin is produced during the breakdown of Red blood cells, it is secreted from the liver into bile; subsequently an increase in bilirubin causes an increase in concentrations of bilirubin.

1.2 How Bilirubin Affects the Skin and Eyes:

The yellow pigment bilirubin is released when red blood cells are broken down. The liver generally clears notable amounts of this substance before it accumulates in circulating blood and starts to have an influence on the skin. 

2. Types Of Jaundice:

Doctor's Usually classify jaundice in pregnancy in following types,

2.1 Prehepatic Causes:

In which there is excess breakdown of red blood cell for example hemolytic disorders.

2.2 Hepatic Causes:

In which cells of liver are damaged by different viral infections for example viral hepatitis.

2.3 Post Hepatic Causes:

Due to blockage of bile duct for example due to gall stones .

The fetus and the mother can both be affected by jaundice during pregnancy: 

The frequency of jaundice among pregnant women is not particularly high, but doctors consider it a significant condition. 

Jaundice during pregnancy can be another indication of problems with the liver that originated during pregnancy. Chronic liver disease involves jaundice associated with liver conditions that predate pregnancy and are unrelated to pregnancy. 

3. Causes Of Jaundice During Pregnancy:

1. Jaundice during pregnancy may be caused by several viruses, including viral hepatitis(A, B, C, E). 

2. Hepatitis E is a virus that presents with jaundice during pregnancy and may lead to more serious illness than the other forms. 

3. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a liver condition that exclusively occurs during pregnancy, which is believed to be caused by changes in liver function resulting from hormones that support pregnancy. 

4. Gallstones can compromise bile clearance from the body. 

4. How Common Is Jaundice:

The frequency of jaundice during pregnancy is low. However, it is an important medical condition that affects both mothers and their babies in pregnant women.

4.1 Statistics and Prevalence

 Studies indicate that pregnant women with jaundice typically range from 2% to 3% depending on their geographic location or their access to healthcare.

While following the standard deviation; it is essential to acknowledge that jaundice has the potential for serious long-term consequences (therefore requiring close monitoring). Mild elevations of bilirubin during pregnancy could be an indicator of either liver disease or liver disorders caused by pregnancy, both of which need to be monitored closely.

The physiological changes in a women’s body that occur in most pregnancies create an increased demand on the liver with respect to the metabolism of hormones, digestion of food/nutrient absorption/excretion of waste products, as well as processing of infections/allergy-causing substances (to include the entry of the fetus from the outside of a woman’s body).

4.2 Why Early Detection Matters:

The concentration of bilirubin may increase in the blood for several reasons: increased demand placed on the liver due to pregnancy (causing increased production of bilirubin), worsening of any pre-existing liver disease (e.g., hepatitis), and the development of other pregnancy complications (e.g., intrahepatic cholestasis, which occurs in the later trimester) or because of co-morbidity conditions (e.g., gallstones).

Although the number of cases of jaundice being experienced by pregnant women is low; the importance of early detection is significant with respect to both mothers and their children.

5. Jaundice Common Symptoms for Pregnant Women:

Women may not see the symptoms of pregnancy occur immediately.

Visual Symptoms

• Yellow skin 

• Yellow eyes 

• Dark urine

 • Pale stools

General Symptoms:

• Tiredness

 • Nausea

 • No appetite

 • Itching

Urgent Signs:

You should see a doctor right away if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

• Severe stomach pain

 • Confusion

 • Constant vomiting

 • Severe itching

Getting treated early can help both you and your baby.

6. Diagnosis of Jaundice During Pregnancy:

Doctors will perform several tests to determine the cause of jaundice.

6.1 Medical Evaluation for Jaundice During Pregnancy:

The doctor will normally begin by asking questions about:

• Your medical history

 • Your symptoms

 • Your travel history

 • Medications you take

6.2 Imaging Techniques:

Imaging methods can be done by physician - Examples; Using:

• Ultrasound (See Ultrasound Section)

• Examination of Liver

As a diagnostic study for detecting gallstones or findings and changes in the liver.

7.Consequences of Untreated Jaundice:

If not treated, Chronic JC can lead to complications.

7.1 Risks for Mother:

• Liver Failure

• Severe Infection

• Bleeding Problems

7.2 Risks for Baby:

• Premature Birth

• Low Birth Weight

• Distress to Fetus

The earlier diagnosis is made, the more likely it can be prevented.

8. Management and Treating Safely:

How a physician manages and treats JC will depend on the underlying cause.

8.1 Medical Management:

The physician may need to treat the patient with:

• Antivirals

• To monitor inpatient

• Hypoproteinemia (fluid replenishment)

8.2 Managing during Pregnancy:

A woman who has developed JC during her pregnancy will likely need:

• Routine Blood Tests.

• Fetal monitoring.

• Ultrasound scans.

8.3 Delivery Planning:

1. Sometimes doctors will suggest you deliver early if there is a medical problem with your mother’s health.

2. Every woman and pregnancy are different, so determining the best course of action should be assessed by the physician based on the woman’s condition and how far along she is (the stage of pregnancy).

9.Healthy tips you can do to help keep your Liver Healthy while you’re Pregnant:

 Making small changes in your lifestyle may help with liver health.

9.1 Nutrition tips:

• Prepare meals that are nutritionally balanced.

• Drink enough water that is clean, filtered, and safe to drink.

• Make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

9.2 Infection Prevention:

• Use hand hygiene.

• Do not eat or drink any food that has been contaminated or not cooked properly.

• Get your vaccines according to medical guidelines.

9.3 Routine antenatal care:

Visiting your doctor regularly during pregnancy can help find any problems that might happen early.

10.When should a pregnant woman go to the doctor:

If you have any of the following symptoms, get medical attention immediately.

Key Symptoms:

• Yellow eyes/jaundice

• Dark or brown urine

• Severe itching

• Extreme fatigue

Getting treatment early has a high likelihood of improving your outcome.

11. Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is jaundice dangerous while pregnant?

There are a lot of different types of jaundice, and some are mild enough to not require any medical intervention. Others may require immediate medical attention, so women with jaundice during pregnancy need to see a physician.

2. Can jaundice hurt my baby?

Women with severe complications during pregnancy are more likely to give birth preterm and could possibly also have complications with their babies.

3. Will there be a treatment option for jaundice during pregnancy?

If a woman has an issue related to jaundice while pregnant, and she seeks medical attention early enough, her physician will be able to provide appropriate treatment for the underlying condition causing her jaundice.

Important points regarding jaundice in pregnancy to keep in mind:

• Jaundice is a symptom of liver dysfunction.
• The liver can become infected with a virus, have gallstones, or can be affected by pregnancy-related liver diseases.
• The best way to protect your baby and yourself is to identify that jaundice may be present and to receive prompt medical attention.
• You will want to continue to attend regular antenatal visits throughout your pregnancy to ensure that you and your baby are both healthy.

12.Must Read More Articles:

You may also find these educational articles helpful

•https://dryasirhumaira342.blogspot.com/2025/05/gestational-diabetes-diet-plan.html

•https://dryasirhumaira342.blogspot.com/2025/05/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-guide.html

•https://dryasirhumaira342.blogspot.com/2025/05/pregnancy-complications-warning-signs.html

•https://dryasirhumaira342.blogspot.com/2025/05/prenatal-care-essential-tests.html

13.Find out more about jaundiced pregnancies by checking out:

1. The World Health Organization – Maternal Health Guidelines - Updated 2024

2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Liver disease in pregnancy - Updated 2023

3. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – Obstetric Cholestasis Guidelines - Updated 2022

4. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research – Liver disorder in pregnant women - Updated 2024.