Effect of labour on liver function in normal pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Fifty, normal pregnant primigravidae were selected at the latent phase of delivery to determine the effect of stress of labour on the liver functions. Serum alkaline phosphatase, S.G.O.T., S.G.P.T., total serum proteins and serum albumin were estimated before and after labour. Although there were no significant differences, the data for alkaline phosphatase and transaminases showed values above the upper limits of normal standard values. The results suggest that if the pregnancy is complicated by toxaemia or associated hepatic disease or if the liver is border line, this liver under the stress of labour, may fail