Cholestasis in Pregnancy: Causes, Risks, and What You Need to Know
When you’re pregnant and suddenly can’t stop scratching—especially on your palms and soles—it’s not just dry skin. It could be cholestasis in pregnancy, a liver condition where bile flow slows or stops, causing bile acids to build up in your blood. Also known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, it affects about 1 in 1,000 pregnancies but is far more common in certain families and regions. Unlike regular itching, this doesn’t come with a rash. It gets worse at night, and it’s often the first—and sometimes only—sign.
What makes cholestasis in pregnancy, a liver condition where bile flow slows or stops, causing bile acids to build up in your blood. Also known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, it affects about 1 in 1,000 pregnancies but is far more common in certain families and regions. dangerous isn’t the itching itself—it’s what happens to your baby. High bile acid levels are linked to preterm birth, fetal distress, and in rare cases, stillbirth. That’s why doctors don’t just shrug it off. They check your bile acids, a group of compounds produced by the liver to help digest fats, which rise abnormally in cholestasis and run liver function tests. If levels are high, you’ll be monitored closely, sometimes starting as early as 28 weeks.
There’s no cure until you deliver, but pruritus in pregnancy, intense itching without rash, often the first symptom of cholestasis can be managed. Medications like ursodeoxycholic acid help lower bile acids and ease itching. You’ll also need regular ultrasounds and non-stress tests to track your baby’s health. Some women find relief with cool baths, cotton clothes, or avoiding hot showers, but nothing replaces medical monitoring.
This isn’t something you can ignore or treat with over-the-counter creams. If you’re pregnant and itching badly—especially in the third trimester—get tested. A simple blood test can rule it out or catch it early. And if you’ve had it before? Your chance of getting it again is as high as 60 to 70%. That’s why knowing your history matters.
The posts below cover real cases, lab results, treatment choices, and what to ask your doctor. You’ll find advice on managing symptoms, understanding test results, and how to prepare for delivery when cholestasis is involved. No fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to know to protect yourself and your baby.
