pregnancy - sickness & liver problems

  Ibecame pregnant when I was 20 years of age and within a month became very sick, I vommited everything except water for the second ,third and fourth months. My liver was swollen and jutted out approx. 2cm from my back! I went from 9.5 stone to 6 stone in weight. After the fourth month I slowly got better. At the time the doctor suspected it was Hepatitis A since there was an outbreak at our college, however now the tests have revealed it was not so - just a horrid pregnancy.
  When I was 25 I became pregnant again and again at the end of the first month became very ill, couldn't keep food down and my weight plummeted - I felt it was a re-run of before. I truely felt I would die if I went through it again and this and social factors led me to an abortion.
  Now I am 31 and am seriously thinking about a baby, however, I am scare my liver will swell out and fail, I have a son from my first pregnancy and I would like to be around for his teens. I won't get pregnant if the risk is too great. If I thought it was treatable or at least my liver/life could be safeguarded I would try. What do you think are my chances?

[HFHSM.D.-D.M.]

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Dear Chris:
I found your question extremely touching and extremely important.  It certainly deserves a thoughtful answer because there is a lot at stake.
What I would strongly recommend is that you have a liver specialist go over your records from your first and second pregnancy to determine if there is any evidence of a specific liver disease (not just the liver swelling out) or liver dysfunction.  Many women have extremely difficult pregnancies.  However, relatively few have serious liver problems.  There are very specific tests and ways to determine how your liver was functioning during your pregnancy and I am certain many of these tests were done.  In addition, if there was any evidence of liver disease or dysfunction, it would be critical to do tests to see how your liver is doing now.  
Once all of this information is analyzed, you and your physicians can make a decision as to whether it is safe for you to try to have another baby.  I am sorry that I cannot be more specific, but it is really out of respect for the seriousness of your situation and questions that I recommend a careful evaluation.
I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have additional questions or more information, feel free to post the material back to MEDHELP or you are always welcome to contact us directly at Henry Ford at [phone].  If you are in the Detroit area, we would always welcome to come see us.  We have a very active group of liver specialists.  
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation.  Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.