Maternal Gastroenterology Programme
Pregnancy brings about many changes in a woman's body, and some of these can affect the digestive system and liver. The AKUH Maternal Gastroenterology Programme is dedicated to diagnosing, managing, and treating gastrointestinal (GI) and liver conditions that may arise or worsen during pregnancy. Our goal is to keep both mother and baby safe and healthy while ensuring the mother's comfort and well-being throughout her pregnancy journey.
Conditions We Treat
Our specialists provide care for a wide range of digestive and liver conditions that can occur during or be complicated by pregnancy, including:
- Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum)
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn
- HELLP syndrome (a severe pregnancy complication affecting the liver and blood)
- Constipation and haemorrhoids
- Gallbladder and bile duct disorders
- Liver diseases in pregnancy (such as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and acute fatty liver of pregnancy)
- Viral hepatitis during pregnancy (especially hepatitis B and E)
- Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) conditions in pregnancy, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or celiac disease
- Pancreatitis
Our Services
We offer a holistic approach to maternal GI and liver health, including:
- Pre-pregnancy counselling: For women with existing GI or liver conditions, we provide guidance on planning pregnancy and managing potential risks.
- Prenatal consultations: Regular assessments to monitor maternal and fetal health.
- Nutritional counselling: Expert advice from dietitians to manage symptoms through diet modifications.
- Endoscopy procedures: Safe and necessary procedures, like gastroscopy and colonoscopy, are performed by experienced endoscopists with appropriate monitoring during pregnancy.
- Diagnostic testing: Access to advanced lab tests and imaging (e.g., ultrasound) to accurately diagnose GI conditions.
- Medication management: Careful review and prescription of medications that are safe for both mother and baby.
- Collaborative care: Close coordination with your obstetrician and other specialists.
Our Multidisciplinary Team
Our services are delivered by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals, including:
- Gastroenterologists: Doctors specialising in the digestive system.
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine consultants: Experts in managing high-risk pregnancies and conditions affecting both mother and baby.
- Registered dietitians: Nutritional experts.
- Anaesthesiologists: Ensuring patient safety during procedures.
- Nurses and midwives: Dedicated to providing compassionate care.
To learn more about our highly trained and skilled experts, search on Find a Doctor under the specialities of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Gastroenterology.
At AKUH, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for pregnant women with digestive and liver conditions. Our goal is to ensure safe and healthy pregnancies and deliveries for both mother and baby.
