Acute fatty liver of pregnancy

(AFLP)

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a very rare liver disease that develops suddenly during pregnancy. It is usually serious and most people need urgent treatment and early delivery of their baby.

Also called: AFLP

The information on this page is for:

Adults with acute fatty liver of pregnancy or suspected acute fatty liver of pregnancy.
Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.

Use the links on this page to find out more about acute fatty liver of pregnancy, including how it is treated and the possible effects on you and your baby. You can bookmark this page and come back whenever you need to.

Coping with a sudden diagnosis is hard, especially when you are pregnant. Whether you need information, advice or just to talk, we’re here for you and your loved ones. Find out more further down this page.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is different to MASLD (metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease).

Quick Summary

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy:

is very rare, it affects about 1 in every 10,000 pregnancies
is usually diagnosed in the third trimester of pregnancy, at around 35 weeks
most women with acute fatty liver of pregnancy need to be admitted to intensive care
doctors first aim to stabilise you and will then make a plan to deliver your baby safely
most women have a caesarean section (c-section)
once you’ve had your baby, your liver will usually start to recover
most women and babies make a full recovery, but sadly some still die

Find out more about acute fatty liver of pregnancy using the links below.

Find out more

What is acute fatty liver of pregnancy?

Symptoms and diagnosis

Treatment

How might acute fatty liver of pregnancy affect mother and baby?

Support

How Liver UK can help

A diagnosis of liver disease can be worrying, and you may have a lot of questions.

We're here for you and for your family and friends. Whether you have questions or just need someone to listen, we can help.

Find out more

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This content was last reviewed: December 2025

Our expert reviewers:

We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Professor John Dillon, Professor of hepatology and gastroenterology, School of medicine, University of Dundee and all our patient reviewers.

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Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.