Alkaline phosphatase is actually a measure of liver function, widely distributed in various organs of the human body, with the liver being the most abundant. Although pregnancy can lead to elevated alkaline phosphatase levels in pregnant women, it is a normal physiological response. But I believe that most pregnant women are still concerned that high levels of alkaline phosphatase may have an impact on the fetus. Let's take a look together to see if it really has an effect!
What is the reason for high alkaline phosphatase levels in pregnant women
Alkaline phosphatase, abbreviated as ALP or AKP, is an enzyme widely distributed in tissues such as the liver, bones, intestines, kidneys, and placenta of the human body, which is excreted from the liver to the gallbladder.
Pregnant women rely entirely on the mother to complete functions such as fetal respiration and excretion in the uterine cavity during pregnancy, resulting in increased metabolism, enhanced glycogen metabolism in the liver, and increased burden on the liver and gallbladder. In some normal pregnant women, some liver function tests may also show mild changes, such as elevated blood cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase. According to clinical statistics, serum alkaline phosphatase can reach 2-3 times the normal level at 9 months of pregnancy.
What should pregnant women do if their alkaline phosphatase is high
Experts point out that in general, a high level of alkaline phosphatase in pregnant women is considered normal. According to clinical experience, at nine months of pregnancy, alkaline phosphatase levels in pregnant women are about two to three times higher than the standard state. In addition, pregnant women who consume high-fat foods can also lead to elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase. In addition, pathological factors such as skeletal diseases, liver and gallbladder diseases, and hyperparathyroidism that may cause high levels of alkaline phosphatase in pregnant women cannot be ruled out.
Experts remind that pregnant women with high levels of alkaline phosphatase may be normal, or it may be due to liver problems. It is recommended to go to the hospital for examination to see if there are any liver problems. If there is no problem with the liver, after the baby is born, the situation of high alkaline phosphatase will return to normal. Otherwise, you should go to the regular special hospital for liver disease in time for examination. If it is caused by the recurrence of hepatitis B, you need to receive treatment in time.
In summary, we can conclude that if a pregnant woman has a high level of alkaline phosphatase and it is not a liver problem, there is no need to worry excessively. This is a normal situation, so there is no harm to the fetus.
