Understanding Cholestasis of Pregnancy: Symptoms and Risks

• Why doctors recommend bile test during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant and have intense itching, especially on the palms and soles of your feet, then it could be a symptom of cholestasis of pregnancy. It is a condition that may cause more than inconvenience and can pose a serious threat to both the mother and the baby.

An expectant mother may have preterm birth, fetal distress, or even stillbirth; hence, it is very important to diagnose and manage this condition immediately. Pregnancy is a very important journey in a woman’s life, and it may have hurdles and unexpected challenges as well. Detecting the problem at the earliest and solving the issue is very critical for a safe and healthy baby delivery and for saving the lives of the mother as well as the baby.

Cholestasis of pregnancy is rare and occurs in 1 in 1,000 pregnant women. Hence, it is very important to know the symptoms, risks, and tests, especially conducting bile tests during pregnancy.

Understanding Cholestasis of pregnancy

According to the doctors, cholestasis of pregnancy, also known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), is a liver condition that typically occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy. In this liver, which produces bile or bile juice, its flow is impaired. In normal conditions, the bile produced by the liver will flow to the intestine after being stored and concentrated by the gallbladder. Bile helps break down fat in the digestive process.In this particular condition, the bile accumulates in the bloodstream and causes different health issues.

What are the symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy?

The common symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy are itching, especially in the latter stages of pregnancy, but it can start in the early stages as well. Intense itching on the palms and soles of the feet without any rashes could be the symptoms of this condition. The itching goes away after the delivery.

Yellowing of the skin, dark urine in some expecting mothers, loss of appetite, tiredness, and fatigue are the other less common symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy.

Based on your symptoms, your gynecologist suggests some tests that measure levels of bile in your blood. The levels of bile acid are usually found on the higher side in individuals with ICP. It is always better to speak to your doctor about the symptoms or discomforts you are facing.

Dr. Venkatesh, a gynecologist practicing in Hubballi, said that normally pregnant ladies have mild to somewhat severe itching, which often goes away after delivery. This condition, coupled with liver disease, may pose a severe problem for the baby.

He said pregnant women should be cautious before taking any medicines, and it is better to speak to their gynecologists about their symptoms or problems, and the doctors would prescribe medicine according to the condition. Self-medication is always harmful, he said.