Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions are common in women of childbearing age. They often present before pregnancy but can arise de novo during pregnancy. The physiological changes that occur during pregnancy can influence the differential diagnosis of common GI presentations, affect the interpretation of diagnostic tests and restrict the use of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. In this article, we summarise the clinical features, investigation and management of common GI and liver conditions that are incidental to pregnancy, and describe the specific features of pregnancy-related disorders that are less frequently encountered by general physicians. Newer developments in areas that are increasingly encountered in obstetric medical practice, including pregnancy after bariatric procedures, are also described.
Keywords: HELLP syndrome; Pregnancy; hyperemesis gravidarum; hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; liver disease; obstetric cholestasis.