The following women have a higher risk of getting cholestasis during pregnancy:. A diagnosis of cholestasis can be made by doing a complete medical history, physical examination, and blood tests that evaluate liver function, bile acids, and bilirubin.
Cholestasis may increase the risks for fetal distress , preterm birth, or stillbirth. The treatment goals for cholestasis of pregnancy are to relieve itching.
Make sure you speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medications or supplements. Some treatment options include:.
Treatment for cholestasis of pregnancy needs to be determined by your physician, who will take the following criteria into consideration:. In the past, this medication was readily used to treat this condition, but some studies have shown that Cholestyramine may not be as effective as other treatments and potentially has some adverse side effects such as blocking essential vitamins like Vitamin K a vitamin that is already deficient in women with cholestasis. It is nearly impossible to know whether a woman will experience cholestasis in future pregnancies.
If you plan on getting pregnant again, talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to promote a healthy pregnancy, or if there are any ways to prevent ICP. Want to Know More? Compiled using information from the following sources: 1.
Gary, et al, Ch. Cholestasis of Pregnancy. What causes cholestasis of pregnancy? According to the American Pregnancy Association, natural remedies for liver health include and dandelion root and milk thistle, and calamine lotion may help with itching, but any supplements or alternative treatments should be discussed first with a physician, as the effects during pregnancy may be unknown.
Some sources recommend oatmeal baths, but the American Pregnancy Association says the use of Aveeno or oatmeal baths should be avoided. They also warn against the use of antihistamines. Many women choose to take herbs, creams, baths, and tinctures instead of medication.
Some herbs are difficult to break down, especially when the liver is already compromised. It is very important to check with the doctor beforehand, to make sure a natural remedy is safe, and to consult the doctor if symptoms get worse.
The mother will also be asked about her personal and family medical histories, and there will be a physical examination. Blood levels of bile will also be measured. To reduce the risk of cholestasis and other problems during pregnancy, it is important to follow a healthful, balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Organic produce is less likely to be affected by pesticides and other toxins.
If canned produce is used, check that it is preserved in its own juice and that there are no added sugars. Choose certified organic meat and avoid fried fish and raw seafood. Dried beans and legumes, such as lentils and chickpeas, are a good source of protein. You should drink 8 to 12 glasses of water a day, and avoid alcoholic drinks and sodas, such as cola. Drinking alcohol will not cause cholestasis in pregnancy, but alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy, as it can lead to a number of complications, including other types of liver disease.
Diet is not an alternative to medication that is prescribed by the physician. It should be percent organic. Bile is a yellow-green fluid that helps to digest fat. It mainly consists of cholesterol , bile salts, and the pigment bilirubin. It is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. From the gallbladder, it passes through the common bile duct, into the duodenum.
Sometimes, a blockage outside the liver prevents the bile from leaving the liver, leading to a condition known as extrahepatic cholestasis. Intrahepatic cholestasis happens when there is a problem with eliminating bile salts from the liver. This is the kind of cholestasis that happens during pregnancy. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Lindor KD, et al. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
Accessed Nov. National Institutes of Health. Accessed July 6, Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy ICP. American Liver Foundation. Understanding intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Frequently asked questions. Pregnancy FAQ Skin conditions during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Accessed Aug. Landon MB, et al. Hepatic disorders during pregnancy. Elsevier; Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Accessed July 5, Goldman L, et al. Common medical problems in pregnancy. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine.
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