Cholestasis includes any condition where the flow of bile from the liver is blocked. Doctors have identified two types of liver cholestasis that can affect people, extra-hepatic cholestasis and intrahepatic cholestasis. The former occurs outside the liver, whereas intrahepatic cholestasis takes place within the liver. One of the most common potential causes of intrahepatic cholestasis is pregnancy. This condition is also commonly referred to, as obstetric cholestasis.

Cholestasis during pregnancy is a rare liver disorder, which usually occurs towards the final stages of pregnancy. Less than 15% of the pregnant women worldwide suffer from it. Certain factors are known to increase the risk of developing intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy. These include:
-- Being pregnant with twins
-- Severe liver damage in the past
-- Getting pregnant through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Cholestasis

If you have suffered from cholestasis during one pregnancy, your chances of suffering from this condition during subsequent pregnancies are as high as 70%.

In some cases, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy can be quite dangerous, as it poses a problem for the mother, as also the developing baby. This condition hinders the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins on a temporary basis. The complications of cholestasis are a lot more severe in babies. In most instances, when women suffer from intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a premature delivery is recommended. Severe cases of cholestasis during pregnancy could also result in a stillbirth.

Treatment of (ICP)
There is no definite cholestasis of pregnancy treatment and therefore, your doctor needs to monitor your health, as also your baby's health closely. Some of the methods to do so include:

Ultrasound tests:
Your doctor will conduct a screening test at regular intervals, to check if the baby is alright. At an ultrasound high-frequency sound waves are used for the purpose of viewing the baby's image on the monitor. This test helps your doctor check if the baby is moving properly or not.

Non-stress test:
In this test, your doctor would check how often your baby moves within a particular period of time. Your baby's heartbeat rate will also be closely monitored, to check if it increases with movement or not.

Blood test:
The purpose of a blood test is to check the quantity bile in your bloodstream, as well as the functioning of your liver. Another method of treating intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy would be by reducing the itchiness and increasing overall comfort. Some of the methods your health care provider may recommend for soothing the itching include:
-- Soaking the affected areas, mainly the hands and feet, in a basin of lukewarm waterApplying topical anti-itch lotions and creams that contain corticosteroids.
-- Sitting in a bathtub filled with cool water, to which cornstarch has been added
-- Drinking plenty of water, so that the skin remains moist and the itchiness reduces