How to prevent cholestasis in pregnant women

In fact, the most common problem for pregnant women during pregnancy is bile stasis. Our gallbladder is mainly used to secrete bile, which is as important to our body as the digestive enzymes secreted by the stomach. Although bile tastes bitter, it can help our body digest some nutrients. So how can pregnant women prevent bile stasis?

1How to prevent cholestasis during pregnancy: nutritional supplements

Generally speaking, the incidence rate of pregnant women with good nutrition is significantly lower than that of pregnant women with poor nutrition. Therefore, it is beneficial for expectant mothers to supplement a certain amount of calcium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium during pregnancy to prevent cholestasis of pregnancy.

2How to prevent cholestasis during pregnancy: massage your feet

Because bile enters the intestine through the duodenum, if this area is not functioning well, it will lead to poor liver and gallbladder excretion and cause bile stasis.

Therefore, expectant mothers should often massage the duodenum of both feet (located at the proximal end of the 1st metatarsal bone on the soles of both feet) and the bile duct reflex area of ​​the right foot (located between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones on the sole of the right foot) to keep the bile entering the intestine unobstructed, thereby preventing bile stasis.

3 How to prevent cholestasis during pregnancy: regular prenatal check-ups

The cause of intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy may be related to estrogen synthesized by the placenta. There are also genetic and environmental factors involved. To prevent this situation from occurring, expectant mothers should go to the hospital regularly for check-ups and test total bile acid levels during pregnancy, rest in bed appropriately, lie on their left side, pay attention to fetal movements, and keep their emotions stable.

4Which pregnant women are prone to cholestasis?

1. Chronic liver and bile duct diseases, such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, cholecystitis, gallstones, etc.;

2. Women whose family members have experienced intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy;

3. Women with a history of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy;

4. Pregnant with twins or multiple fetuses;

5. Pregnant women undergoing artificial insemination.