Cholestasis of Pregnancy
A Pregnancy Complication

Are you worried about your pregnancy because of that strange itching? Or maybe you're curious to know why your whole body, on palms of hands, fingers, soles of feet, face and legs are itchy and does not let you sleep?

There are three types of Cholestasis and all can be treated through medication and with no problems delivering your baby. All three types of cholestasis involve the liver. Blood tests and urinalysis can easily detect its presence. So as soon as you start itching, discuss it with your doctor in order to prevent any complication in your pregnancy.

What is Cholestasis of Pregnancy?

Cholestasis is caused by a build up of bile, which is produced by the gall bladder due to the hormones associated with pregnancy. When bile builds up, the body has a difficult time breaking down fats during digestion, and results in bile acids accumulating in the bloodstream, leading to itching.

What are the Symptoms?

Severe symptoms include jaundice, nausea and pain in the upper right side of the body. The gall bladder is located in this area and when the gall bladder is stressed, it can cause discomfort.

Types of Cholestasis

Women whose sisters or mothers experienced cholestasis of pregnancy, they are more likely to develop this condition, and women who develop cholestasis face a 90% chance of developing it during subsequent pregnancies. However you should not be alarmed as long as you see your doctor during your whole pregnancy.

Are there any Treatment?

Mild cases of cholestasis during pregnancy can be treated with anti-itch medications some of which may contain corticosteroids.

Other treatments include:

• Cold baths will help slow the flow of blood and the blood’s temperature sometimes providing relief.
• Dandelion root and Milk Thistle are natural substances derived from plants that aid liver function and may be beneficial for mild cases of cholestasis.
• Moderate to severe cases may be treated with ursodeoxycholic acid that helps reduce the concentration of bile in the bloodstream.
• Vitamin K may be proscribed as cholestasis can cause a low Vitamin K count that can result in excessive bleeding.

However, you should avoid antihistamines and oatmeal baths, which will not have any affect on cholestasis of pregnancy.

Is there any risk to my baby?

If you are diagnosed with cholestasis, weekly tests and prompt treatment can reduce the risks to the baby. Non stress tests should be performed regularly to check the baby’s heart rate and regular blood tests to check liver functions will be required and to monitor the bile levels in the blood.

Depending on the severity of cholestasis your doctor may want to deliver the baby early and may begin steroid injections to help the baby’s lungs develop faster. This procedure is usually only recommended if you are in your 32nd week. Amniocentesis can be done to see if the baby is developed enough for an early delivery.

Many pregnancy complications can occur if a woman develops cholestasis of pregnancy including fetal distress, excessive bleeding, stillbirths and in many cases preterm delivery of the child.

If you are pregnant and start to itch, be sure to discuss this with your doctor as early detection and treatment can benefit both you and your baby Cholestasis of pregnancy is rare occurring in only one of 1000 births, but independently if it is very rare to happen, a quick detection and prompt treatment the prognosis for you and your child are positive.

Read about other complications during pregnancy:

Miscarriage | Ectopic Pregnancy | Premature Labor | Placenta Previa | Bleeding