28 week blood test - liver problem?

[annady]

Hello there,

I've just had a letter from the doctor saying that the liver part of my 28 week blood test has come back elevated and I need more tests.

Can anyone tell me what they might be looking for please?

I'm really worried.

I haven't had any itching on my hands / feet etc.

Thanks a lot

x

sorry, can't help, but am bumping for you - hope you get it sorted out.

Obstetric cholestasis. (SPelling is wrong)

Are you itching?

Commonly Alkaline phosphatase is raised in pregnancy(part of the liver function tests) so it may be just this being slightly raised, HOWEVER it is difficult to answer this without really knowing what all the individual components are and how raised they are.
Most common is the slightly raised alk phos which is related to preganancy, so hopefully this is what it is.
Good thing is that you have no symptoms of itching, but best thing is to speak to your Dr

Thanks so much for your replies.

I've had no itching at all so I'm not sure about OC - isn't itching the main symptom?

The letter just says two levels relating to my liver came back mildly elevated and I've to get bloods taken again. They can't see me until the end of next week so anything to put my mind at rest (or even to suggest what they might be looking for) until then is much appreciated.

Thanks again x

Elevated liver enzymes can be an indicator of pre-eclampsia. I had PE with DS, and at first they (mis)diagnosed obstetric cholestasis and it wasn't until further tests and symptoms identified PE (dropping blood platelets, ++ protein in urine, rising blood pressure). I also had liver pain (not that I knew it then) which was another symptom of PE (HELLP syndrome to be precise) which in my case sadly became very severe suddenly. I really don't want to scare you but just inform, so sorry if I've got you worrying. If you have urine dip sticks do keep checking your urine at home, or ask the midwife/GP to.

For more info on PE symptoms etc. please take a look at: \link{http://www.apec.org.uk/documents/apec/yourquestions.htm}

I really hope it is nothing serious and just a 'blip'- if you are really worried phone your midwife or drop into the hospital antenatal clinic. Like you said it's probably a good sign that they aren't dragging you in urgently! xx

I had very high ALT levels at one point and a load of itching too but it turned out that it was nothing. Apparently the raised ALT levels can be as a result of your body fighting an infection and although I wasn't aware of feeling rough, my body was obviously dealing with it. The itching was I think entirely unconnected and went away.
Hope this is all it is with you too but I know it's worrying.

Thanks again for your replies. Last time they checked my urine was clear and I still have no itching so hopefully it's just a blip. I'll let you know what happens though, in case it's of help to anyone else. xx

In OC elevated AST and ALT levels can happen prior to any itching or raised Bile Acids. In themsleves they pose no threat to the baby but can be a precursor of something, so the fact they are checking further is very good. But don't worry unduly at this stage.