Cholestasis of pregnancy
What is cholestasis?
Cholestasis of pregnancy
Symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy
Causes and risk factors for cholestasis of pregnancy
Prevention / remedies / cures / treatment for cholestasis of pregnancy
What is cholestasis?
Cholestasis is any condition that reduces the flow of bile from the liver to the duodenum.
Causes of cholestasis include liver infection, gallstones, cancer and possibly genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of cholestasis include intense itching (pruritus), dark urine and light-coloured bowel movements.
Treatment depends upon the underlying condition.
Cholestasis of pregnancy
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, commonly known as cholestasis of pregnancy, is a liver condition that occurs in late pregnancy. It is a serious condition in which the life or wellbeing of the baby are at risk, and the wellbeing of the mother.
Symptoms and consequences of cholestasis of pregnancy
- Intense itching with no rash is the classic symptom. Usually the itching is on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, but some women feel itchy on other parts of the body or everywhere. The itching is often worse at night and may affect the woman's ability to sleep.
The itching often starts during the third trimester, although it can begin earlier. The itchiness gets worse as the due date approaches. After delivery the itching usually goes away within a few days. - Jaundice. Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
- Fat absorption impaired because of reduced bile in the digestive system. Reduced levels of fat-soluble vitamins, especially vitamin K which affects blood clotting. Do not supplement unless closely supervised by health professional.
- Nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Delivery may occur too early (pre-term). Stillbirth (death of foetus) can occur before delivery.
- Lung problems in the infant from breathing in meconium. This sticky, green fluid in the baby's intestines may pass into the amniotic fluid if the mother has cholestasis.
Causes and risk factors for cholestasis of pregnancy
- Pregnancy hormones rise as the due date approaches, and it is possible that these hormones affect the production and flow of bile in the liver. Androgens, contraceptive pills and other hormones may also be risk factors. Bile is a digestive fluid that breaks down fats. Bile salts then enter the bloodstream and cause the itchiness.
- Pharmaceutical drugs including antibiotics such as flucloxacillin, nitrofurantoin and erythromycin, some gold salts, anabolic steroids, chlorpromazine, cimetidine, prochlorperazine, sulindac, erythromycin, estrogen and statins can cause cholestasis and may damage the liver.
- The condition often runs in families, so genes may be involved.
- If cholestasis occurred in a prior pregnancy there is a 60-75% risk of recurrence in future pregnancies.
- History of liver damage or liver diseases, gallstones.
- Carrying twins.
Prevention / remedies / cures / treatment for cholestasis of pregnancy
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See details of remedies recommended by Grow Youthful visitors, and their experience with them.
- Activated charcoal is a traditional medicine for avoiding cholestasis. Take it every day when pregnant if there are symptoms of cholestasis. Activated charcoal is a natural remedy for bloating, indigestion and many other liver problems.
- Apple cider vinegar.