Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, commonly known as cholestasis of pregnancy, is a liver condition that can occur in late pregnancy. The condition triggers intense itching, but without a rash. Itching is usually on the hands and feet but also can occur on other parts of the body.
Cholestasis of pregnancy can make you very uncomfortable. But more worrisome are the potential complications, especially for your baby. Because of the risk of complications, your pregnancy care provider may recommend early term delivery around 37 weeks.
Intense itching is the main symptom of cholestasis of pregnancy. But there is no rash. Typically, you feel itchy on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, but you may feel itchy everywhere. The itching is often worse at night and may bother you so much that you can't sleep.
The itching is most common during the third trimester of pregnancy but sometimes begins earlier. It may feel worse as your due date gets near. But once your baby arrives, the itchiness usually goes away within a few days.
Other less common signs and symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy may include:
Contact your pregnancy care provider right away if you begin to feel constant or extreme itchiness.
The exact cause of cholestasis of pregnancy is unclear. Cholestasis is reduced or stopped bile flow. Bile is the digestive fluid made in the liver that helps break down fats. Instead of leaving the liver for the small intestine, bile builds up in the liver. As a result, bile acids eventually enter the bloodstream. High levels of bile acids appear to cause the symptoms and complications of cholestasis of pregnancy.
Pregnancy hormones, genetics and the environment may all play a role.
Some factors that may increase your risk of developing cholestasis of pregnancy include:
If you have a history of cholestasis in a prior pregnancy, your risk of developing it during another pregnancy is high. About 60% to 70% of females have it happen again. This is called a recurrence. In severe cases, the risk of recurrence may be as high as 90%.
Complications from cholestasis of pregnancy appear to be due to high bile acid levels in the blood. Complications may occur in the mom, but the developing baby is especially at risk.
In moms, the condition may temporarily affect the way the body absorbs fat. Poor absorption of fat could result in decreased levels of vitamin K-dependent factors involved with blood clotting. But this complication is rare. Future liver problems may occur but are uncommon.
Also, cholestasis of pregnancy increases the risk of complications during pregnancy such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
In babies, the complications of cholestasis of pregnancy can be severe. They may include:
Because complications can be very dangerous for your baby, your pregnancy care provider may consider inducing labor before your due date.
There is no known way to prevent cholestasis of pregnancy.
To diagnose cholestasis of pregnancy, your pregnancy care provider usually will:
The goals of treatment for cholestasis of pregnancy are to ease itching and prevent complications in your baby.
To soothe intense itching, your pregnancy care provider may recommend:
It's best to talk to your pregnancy care provider before you start any medicines for treating itching.
Cholestasis of pregnancy can potentially cause complications to your pregnancy. Your pregnancy care provider may recommend close monitoring of your baby while you're pregnant.
Monitoring may include:
While the results of these tests can be reassuring, they can't predict the risk of preterm birth or other complications associated with cholestasis of pregnancy.
Even if prenatal tests are within standard limits, your pregnancy care provider may suggest inducing labor before your due date. Early term delivery, around 37 weeks, may lower the risk of stillbirth. Vaginal delivery is recommended by induction of labor unless there are other reasons a cesarean section is needed.
A history of cholestasis of pregnancy may increase the risk of symptoms returning with contraceptives that contain estrogen, so other methods of birth control are generally recommended. These include progestin-containing contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs) or barrier methods, such as condoms or diaphragms.
Home remedies may not offer much relief for itching due to cholestasis of pregnancy. But it doesn't hurt to try these soothing tips:
Research into effective alternative therapies for treating cholestasis of pregnancy is lacking, so pregnancy care providers generally don't recommend them for this condition.
Several studies have looked at whether the supplement S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) might ease itching related to cholestasis of pregnancy. But data are conflicting. When compared with ursodiol in early trials, SAMe didn't work as well. It may be safe when used for a short time during the third trimester. But the risks to mother and baby aren't well known. Often, this medicine isn't recommended.
The safety of other alternative therapies hasn't been confirmed. Always check with your health care provider before trying an alternative therapy, especially if you're pregnant.
It's a good idea to be prepared for your appointment with your obstetrician or pregnancy care provider. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect.
To prepare for your appointment:
Some questions to ask may include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment or if you don't understand something.
To better understand your condition, your pregnancy care provider might ask questions, such as:
Cholestasis of pregnancy can be a worrisome diagnosis. Work with your pregnancy care provider to make sure that you and your baby receive the best possible care for this condition.
