Pregnancy and high bilirubin levels

[RNjane]

I have a friend that is living in Russia temporary due to her husbands job. They have been there since aug and will return home in dec. They have recently found they are pregnant, and are very happy about it. My friend is about 7-8 weeks. Through the american consulate she found a recommended english speaking doctor that did some blood testing and found her bilirubin is high, with some bacteria in the urine. The bilirubin concerns me. I am a cardiac nurse and have tried to give her advice, but i am not specialized with ob information. Plese help. I can tell you they said her gallbladder seems fine i believe they tested her amylase and lipase. What other reasons could there be for high bili and how concerned should she be? The levels are from two weeks ago were 24.0 mcmol/l, and her direct bilirubin was 6.0 mcmol/l.
With the retest on October 2, her total bilirubin was 26.4 mcmol/l, and her direct was 8.0.

[honey1982]

[honey1982]

YOUR FRIEND COULD HAVE JAUNDICE OR LIVER MALFUNCTION I AM A CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT. HOPE ALL IS FINE. I HAD HIGH BILI AND I HAD AN INFECTION MAYBE THE HEME ISNT BEING BROKEN DOWN PROPERLY BY THE LIVER.
HOPE I WAS OF ASSISTANCE

[SoxMomma]

There is a genetic disorder called Gilbert's Syndrome where the body cannot break down red blood cells, like honey1982 described.  Essentially people who have this condition, like I do, have a permanent case of jaundice.  When my levels are high I get a yellow tint to my skin and eyes and am fairly tired - easily.  Spending time in the sun each day is my best advice - to break down the red blood cells and help lower her direct levels.