WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Cholestasis of Pregnancy: Symptoms, Risks, and Management

Cholestasis of Pregnancy: Understanding Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver condition that can occur, often in the third trimester but sometimes as early as the second.
This condition slows down the normal flow of bile in the liver, leading to a buildup of bile acids in the blood, which can cause severe itching, especially on the hands and feet.
While the exact cause is unknown, hormonal fluctuations and genetics may play a role.
Symptoms to Watch For
  • Intense Itching: Often the first sign, this can be severe, particularly at night, and may affect the palms, soles, and even the abdomen.
  • Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes may occur in some cases.
  • Dark Urine and Pale Stools: These symptoms typically follow the onset of itching and are indicators of cholestasis.
If you experience these symptoms, prompt consultation with your healthcare provider is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Risks and Management
  • Complications: There's an increased risk of preterm birth, fetal distress, and stillbirth associated with cholestasis of pregnancy.
  • Monitoring: Blood tests to check liver function and bile acid levels are essential.
  • Relief Measures: Oatmeal baths, topical creams, and specific medications can alleviate itching.
  • Fetal Monitoring: Regular checks are necessary to ensure the baby's health.
  • Delivery: The definitive treatment is delivery, often recommended around 36 weeks gestation or later, based on bile acid levels and diagnosis.
Additional Considerations
  • Postpartum Resolution: Cholestasis typically resolves after delivery but can recur in future pregnancies.
  • Contraceptive Use: Oral contraceptives may trigger a recurrence. Discuss any history of cholestasis with your doctor before choosing a contraceptive method.
Early detection, effective management, and thorough monitoring are key to safeguarding the health of both mother and baby during a pregnancy affected by cholestasis.
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Rym Chikouche
OB-GYN
V
Veronica
7 Nov 2023

I am being induced at 38 weeks because I have cholestasis and and showing symptoms of preeclampsia. Very excited to meet this little nugget on Thursday but also a bundle of anxiety. Wish me luck!

2 comments
R
Redcityfreak
Ull do great honey. Low n slow n eat good food
27 Mar 2024

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A
Anne
Good luck girl your got this! Did you just start showing symptoms of it?
27 Mar 2024

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M
Melissa
15 Oct 2023

Has anyone had cholestasis while pregnant 🤰 barely last night i started feeling super itchy i couldn't sleep 😫 and it went away and its back again right now

2 comments
I
Imani
Yep! Been suffering since 1st trimester, 29 weeks now. I’m an itchy mess, sometimes there’s a rash and sometimes not.
27 Mar 2024

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K
Krista
Me too, it’s driving me crazy!
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brianna
13 Sep 2023

Any other moms ever get diagnosed with Cholestasis of Pregnancy? I was told it could be that or regular cholestasis which is usually caused by cirrhosis of the liver and now I'm worried. It started when I told my OB I had a rash on my stomach and my hands and feet were always itching badly. They tested my bile acids and it showed I had cholestasis.

14 comments
H
Hannah
Yes I had it both times for my kids and you will be fine they may give you some meds and you will have baby before 37 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brianna
before 37 weeks? Like do they induce you for the safety of the baby or does it happen naturally?
27 Mar 2024

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S
Solimar
2 Sep 2023

Hi ladies! Anyone has been diagnosed with cholestasis of pregnancy? Is my 3rd pregnancy and diagnosed once again 32 weeks now going to be induced at 37 weeks and starting next week weekly ultrasounds to check on baby. Any other moms on the same boat? #cholestasis #highrisk #32weeks

1 comments
A
Alicia
I'm also high risk cause of my iron but I'm not being induced
27 Mar 2024

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C
Carly
26 Jan 2023

23 weeks 3 days. Anyone have cholestasis of pregnancy? I do. Wondering what week you had to or are planning on delivery?

1 comments
H
Hope
My hands have been itchy so I'm hoping not. Prayers for a safe delivery healthy baby and mama!
27 Mar 2024

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C
Cece
21 Jan 2023

Did anyone know about Cholestasis in pregnancy. I told one midwife at my obgyn I was itching around 22weeks and she told me it was normal, I let it go and today I went in for my 38week appointment and told my regular midwife that it’s gotten worse and she said she had no clue about it and it wasn’t documented and she rushed to tell the blood worker to please do a cholestasis test on me that she can’t believe no one did a test on me if I spoke about it… anyways i should’ve told my regular midwife but didn’t because the other midwife said it was normal so I let it go past my head and now if I have cholestasis I have to be induced next week and I’m just praying everything is ok with me and my baby because it’s an intense liver problem and can cause complications. https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/southwestern-medical-clinic/swmc-health-library/Content/90/P02440/ #38weeks #cholestasis #anxiety #prayers #induction

2 comments
M
Mackenzie
I have Cholestasis, it’s being controlled by medication right now then I’m scheduled for a C-section in 2 weeks when I’m 37 weeks. My skin itches so bad some days it’s unbearable but once you get your bile levels back they’ll know how to proceed from there! Praying for you girl! ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mackenzie
Just make sure that baby is moving like normal and if you feel like baby isn’t moving as much or that something may be wrong go in and at least get checked!
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jennifer
22 Dec 2022

Here’s my update to everything about being scared. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. I also have to see a pediatric cardiologist for my unborn baby. I swear I hope things get better 😭😭😭😭😭

10 comments
J
Jennifer
Thank you. I’ve been trying to think positive but with the icp it could kill my baby and that’s what I’m more worried about
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jasmine
1 Nov 2022

Anyone have Cholestasis? What are your symptoms and how did your doctor diagnose you with it?

9 comments
M
Mayra
I did itching more itching at night dark urine and less hunger I had to deliver at 37 and take medicine it’s blood test to diagnose but not always shows on test
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mayra
I was diagnosed early at 26 weeks so it was hard
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tahj
13 Sep 2022

Anyone has experience with cholestasis? I am 38 weeks and 5 days, I notice my poop has been yellow. Even after eating beets witch usually makes my urine and fecal matter dark but it remains a bright yellow. I'm also experiencing some itching on my foot, swelling, and nausea? Google seems to think it may be cholestasis. Anyone experience this?

2 comments
J
Josephine
They're getting me tested for cholestasis because I was also itching on my feet and hands. Did you let your doctor know yet? They have to check your bile acid salt levels. Depending on the results, they may need to induce you sooner. You're almost there though. I'm at 32 weeks now.
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tahj
Hi Josephine, I just got tested yesterday. I'm waiting on the results. I am 39 weeks so I'm hoping he comes out before I have to be induced or take meds. What was your results?
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mayra
24 Jun 2022

Hello dose any mom have CIP cholestasis of pregnancy this is new for me it’s why I’m having severe itching and I’m getting induced 35-37 let’s see how far I go see

16 comments
A
Alexis
Yes I had it with my son and they try to induce you at 37 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mayra
Now I know why I’m not hungry no Appetite I can’t sleep itching is bad
27 Mar 2024

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