What happens if you have cholestasis during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a new birth for a mother as well. A mother’s body goes through several changes during pregnancy, and these changes can be unexpected most of the time. One of the changes that appears late in pregnancy is cholestasis.
Learn about cholestasis and what happens during it, and when to report to a specialist in this guide.
What is Cholestasis of Pregnancy?
Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver condition. It causes severe itching late in pregnancy and is also known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) or obstetric cholestasis. You must not miss the following information:
- ICP will temporarily lower liver function in some pregnant women. It causes bile to build up in the liver and bloodstream. Bile is a substance produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Every time you consume something, bile breaks down fats so that they can be digested properly.
- Cholestasis of pregnancy can cause complications for the mother and the fetus. In order to lower the risk of complications, the pregnancy care provider can help. You can also look for the Medical Termination of Pregnancy near me.
- In most cases, cholestasis of pregnancy does not require medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) as the condition usually resolves after birth. Instead, standard treatment involves close monitoring of the mother and fetus.
Moving ahead, we have symptoms and things you can do to take proper care of the mother and the fetus.
Cholestasis of Pregnancy: Symptoms and Management
| Symptoms | Management |
| Intense itching is one of the major symptoms. It often starts on the palms and soles and is worse at night. There is usually no rash associated with this itching. Dark urine can be caused by a buildup of bile acids in the liver. Pale or light-colored stools indicate impaired bile flow. Jaundice, characterised by the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, is less common. Nausea is a frequent symptom that may occur. Loss of appetite can be a sign of the condition. Excessive tiredness can be associated with cholestasis. Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen is possible. | There are several ways your healthcare professional can help. They can recommend medical treatment, symptomatic relief or early delivery as well. Here is what you should know: Medical Treatment: Ursodiol is a medication that helps lower bile acid levels in the blood and may relieve itching. Supplements like vitamin K may be given before delivery to prevent bleeding in the newborn. Monitoring involves regular blood tests to monitor bile acid and liver function levels. Also, Bi-weekly non-stress tests for fetal monitoring. Your provider will monitor your condition to ensure there are no complications. Symptomatic relief involves cool baths, loose-fitting cotton clothing, moisturisers and avoiding certain products. Baths in lukewarm or cool temperatures can help soothe itching. Wearing loose-fitting clothes helps reduce skin irritation. Unscented moisturisers or lotions may provide temporary relief, and staying away from certain products like strong perfumes can help reduce irritation in the skin. Early Delivery: Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely and may recommend an early delivery if it is the safest option for you and your baby. Cholestasis of pregnancy resolves on its own after delivery, usually within a few days. |
FAQs: Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Q1. When does cholestasis of pregnancy appear?
Cholestasis of pregnancy typically appears in the third trimester, most commonly starting after 30 weeks. It can sometimes occur earlier, though, with some cases appearing in the late second trimester.
Q2. What is cholestasis of pregnancy?
Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver disorder that occurs in the later stages of pregnancy, typically the second half. It is characterised by a buildup of bile acids in the blood, which can lead to intense itching without a rash, most commonly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The condition resolves after childbirth and can lead to potential risks for the baby, so it requires medical assessment.
Q3. Does cholestasis need special care?
Yes, cholestasis requires special care, as it can indicate an underlying liver problem and lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
Q4. When to see a doctor for cholestasis?
You should see a doctor for cholestasis if you experience symptoms like severe itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or pale, foul-smelling stools.
Final Thoughts
At CSMC, the specialists don’t just offer services but deliver trust. You can trust them for the expert services, professional diagnosis and timely intervention for management of complications. Your pregnancy journey will be monitored thoroughly so that you can welcome your baby with satisfaction and less stress.