If you are diagnosed with ICP, you will have regular liver function tests so your doctor can monitor your condition. These will include tests to check your liver function (LFT) and measure your bile acid levels (BA). Your doctor will probably talk to you about your medical and family history and order a variety of blood tests. ICP is diagnosed by excluding other causes of the itch. If you have ICP, you will probably be advised to give birth in hospital under a consultant-led maternity team. This could be any time from 35 weeks, depending on the level of bile acids in your blood. Some studies have found that babies whose mothers have ICP have a higher chance of being born prematurely or stillborn.īecause of the link with stillbirth, you may be offered induction of labour. If you have had ICP in a previous pregnancy, you have a high chance of developing it again in another pregnancy.
It is more common in women of south Asian origin, affecting around 1 in 70 to 80 pregnancies. ICP seems to run in families, but it can happen even if there is no family history. There's no cure for ICP, but it should go once you've had your baby. In ICP, the bile acids do not flow properly and build up in your body instead. Normally, bile acids flow from your liver to your gut to help you digest food. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a potentially serious liver disorder that can develop in pregnancy. Let your midwife or doctor know if you are experiencing itching so they can decide whether you need to have any further investigations. Mild itching is not usually harmful to you or your baby, but it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition, particularly if you notice it more in the evenings or at night.
Some women find that products with strong perfumes can irritate their skin, so you could try using unperfumed lotion or soap. You may find having a cool bath or applying lotion or moisturiser can help soothe the itching. These are "breathable" and allow the air to circulate close to your skin. You may also want to avoid synthetic materials and opt for natural ones, such as cotton, instead. Wearing loose clothes may help prevent itching, as your clothes are less likely to rub against your skin and cause irritation.
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