17 Jul 2018 | 3 min Read
Babychakra
Author | 1369 Articles
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) is a common liver disorder that selectively occurs in pregnant women. Cholestasis disables the secretion of bile, which is a digestive fluid, from the cells of the liver. While there are two types of cholestasis of pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis occurs inside the liver. Hence, the name.
In a study conducted by the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India, only 1.32% of the women had abnormal liver tests in India. The number of ICP is much higher in the western countries, which can go up to 24%. Nevertheless, the same study also concluded that Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy had adverse effects on the health of the mother and the fetus. It can also induce complications during the pregnancy. And, since birthing is something that every pregnant mother is concerned about, we are going to discuss some things that you need to know about Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy so you can take the necessary precautions.
When Is the Risk of ICP the Highest?
The American Pregnancy Association suggests that women who are carrying multiple babies or have had liver damages previously are at a higher risk of getting Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy. And, as mentioned earlier, since the condition can be genetically induced, women whose mother or sisters have had Intrahepatic Cholestasis are likely to get it from them.
Usually, the symptoms are typically seen from the 30th week of pregnancy. ICP can cause fetal death so, it is necessary to know the symptoms so you can diagnose it in time.
Here are a few symptoms that are commonly observed if you have Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy.
Monitoring blood tests regularly, recording contractions as well as monitoring the fetal health can all help to diagnose Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy early, thus reducing future complications. Since the treatment is distinctive for every patient, only your physician will be able to formulate one for you. Therefore, when faced with the above symptoms, the best thing to do is consult with your doctor immediately.
Also read: Amniotic Fluid Index: An Important Pregnancy Health Tool
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