ICP can have serious consequences for the baby, with increased chances of premature birth, neonatal unit admission and stillbirth . Research shows that about 1 in 10 women diagnosed with ICP will have their baby early.
How serious is ICP in pregnancy?
ICP is a liver condition that can increase your risk for problems , including premature birth, stillbirth and heavy bleeding after birth. If you have any signs or symptoms of ICP, like feeling itchy on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet, tell your health care provider.
Can ICP harm baby?
If you have ICP, you and your baby are at increased risk of having of complications , including: Premature birth. This is birth that happens too soon, before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Babies born this early may have more health problems or need to stay in the hospital longer than babies born later.
How common is stillbirth if you have cholestasis?
Without active management the risk of stillbirth during an Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
How does obstetric cholestasis affect baby?
Cholestasis may increase the risks for fetal distress , preterm birth, or stillbirth. A developing baby relies on the mother’s liver to remove bile acids from the blood; therefore, the elevated levels of maternal bile cause stress on the baby’s liver.
Does ICP go away on its own?
The causes of ICP/OC usually self-correct without any extra treatment when you have had your baby. You should have a blood test 6-12 weeks after the baby has been born to be sure. If by six months your levels have not returned to normal then you should have more tests for other possible liver conditions.
How does ICP cause stillbirth?
The exact cause of stillbirth in ICP has not been fully proven, but the latest research suggests that very high bile acid levels (over 100 micromoles per litre, which you will usually see written as μmol/L) may cause the rhythm of the baby’s heart to change (known as heart arrhythmia) and make it stop working.
Is delivery by 38 weeks necessary for cholestasis of pregnancy?
Currently, many doctors are recommending that women who have ICP are induced at around 37–38 weeks. However, the most recent research from Ovadia et al 2019 shows that many women can now wait until 38–39 weeks of pregnancy before they need to be induced.
What happens if cholestasis goes untreated?
Babies who get cholestasis may show signs of jaundice 3 to 6 weeks after they’re born. If your cholestasis goes untreated, you may have trouble absorbing nutrients . You may not get enough calcium and vitamin D. This can weaken your bones.
Is cholestasis considered high risk?
The condition does not usually pose a serious risk for the mother’s long-term health , but it may cause severe complications for the infant. The term “cholestasis” comes from the Greek words “chole” meaning “bile” and “stasis,” meaning “still.” Cholestasis happens when the liver cannot excrete bile properly.
What triggers cholestasis?
Cholestasis is a liver disease. It occurs when the flow of bile from your liver is reduced or blocked . Bile is fluid produced by your liver that aids in the digestion of food, especially fats. When bile flow is altered, it can lead to a buildup of bilirubin.
Is cholestasis of pregnancy an emergency?
However, “if the baby is in distress, an emergency C-section may be necessary ,” Dr. Wider says. Cholestasis happens in just 1 to 2 in 1,000 pregnancies, but Dr. Greves says that it’s important to tell your doctor right away if you have intense itching during pregnancy, just in case.
How do you treat ICP naturally during pregnancy?
- Cool baths, which may make the itching feel less intense for some women.
- Oatmeal baths, creams or lotions, which may soothe the skin.
- Icing a particularly itchy patch of skin, which may temporarily reduce the itch.
What are the symptoms of ICP in pregnancy?
- Severe itching. Itchy skin is the most common symptom of ICP. ...
- Dark urine or light-colored bowel movements.
- Jaundice. This is a condition that makes your eyes and skin look yellow. ...
- Loss of appetite (not hungry)
- Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) or pain in the upper right belly.
When should I go to hospital with ICP?
Call your healthcare provider or 911 if you think you may be having symptoms of increased ICP, such as: Severe headache . Blurred vision . Feeling less alert than usual .
How do I lower my ICP?
Effective treatments to reduce pressure include draining the fluid through a shunt via a small hole in the skull or through the spinal cord. The medications mannitol and hypertonic saline can also lower pressure. They work by removing fluids from your body.
