Pregnancy after liver transplantation

Although the transplant community has begun to gather experience in pregnancy after liver transplant, much remains to be learned about the effects of pregnancy on mother and child. Most women with end stage liver disease have amenorrhea or are unable to conceive due to medical complications. Liver transplantation offers such patients the opportunity to have children. Since libido and fertility can return fairly rapidly, it is important to discuss birth control in the early post transplant period. It is recommended that pregnancy be delayed for 1 and preferably 2 years post-transplant as pregnancies within the first year are associated with higher rates of premature birth and cellular rejection. The current evidence suggests that pregnancy is safe after transplant, however it requires close follow-up by a team of experienced physicians.