Key Symptoms to Watch For:

• Intense Itching: This is the hallmark symptom, typically affecting the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It often gets worse at night and may become unbearable.
• No Rash: Unlike common pregnancy rashes, the itching from ICP usually occurs without a visible rash.
• Jaundice (Yellowing of the skin and eyes).
• Dark urine and pale bowel movements.
• General fatigue, loss of appetite, and mild nausea.

If you experience persistent, severe itching, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Don't assume it's just "normal" pregnancy itching.

How is ICP Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is quick and relies on two simple steps:

1. Medical History and Exam: Your doctor, like the specialists at `Shri Tirupati Hospital Ghaziabad`, will discuss your symptoms, especially the itching.
2. Blood Tests: Specific blood tests are ordered to measure the levels of bile acids and liver function (LFTs). Elevated bile acids confirm the diagnosis of ICP.

Potential Risks (Why Monitoring is Crucial):

While ICP rarely causes serious harm to the mother, the elevated bile acids can carry risks for the baby, including premature birth and, in rare cases, stillbirth. Strict monitoring at a `top hospital in Ghaziabad` is the key to minimizing these risks.

Treatment and Monitoring Plan:

• Medication: The primary treatment is a prescription medication called Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). This helps lower the concentration of bile acids in your blood.
• Frequent Monitoring: Your doctor will schedule regular blood tests (often weekly) to check your bile acid levels.
• Fetal Monitoring (NST & BPP): You will likely have frequent Non-Stress Tests (NSTs) and Biophysical Profiles (BPPs) to check your baby’s well-being and heart rate.
• Planned Delivery: Due to the risk of complications near term, most women with ICP are recommended for an induction between 36 and 37 weeks, depending on the severity of the bile acid levels.

What is ICP in pregnancy?

ICP stands for Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy. It is a liver disorder where bile flow slows down, causing bile salts to build up in the bloodstream. It's the most common liver condition specific to pregnancy.

Cholestasis symptoms in pregnancy

Intense, persistent itching (especially on the palms and soles, often worse at night) is the primary and most common symptom. Other signs can include fatigue, dark urine, pale stools, and, rarely, jaundice (yellow skin/eyes).

Is Cholestasis dangerous?

For the mother, ICP is generally not dangerous and resolves after birth. However, it carries risks for the baby, including premature birth, respiratory distress, and an increased risk of stillbirth. This is why close monitoring by a specialist and timely delivery are essential to ensure the safety of your baby.

Cholestasis treatment options

The standard treatment is Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). This drug is safe in pregnancy and helps lower the bile salt levels in the mother’s blood. Treatment also involves close fetal monitoring (NSTs) and a planned early delivery.