Cholestasis of Pregnancy: Symptoms, Risks, and What You Need to Know

When you’re pregnant and can’t stop scratching—especially on your hands and feet—it’s not just dry skin. It could be cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver condition that slows or stops the flow of bile during pregnancy. Also known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, it happens when hormones interfere with how your liver processes bile, causing it to build up in your bloodstream. This isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be serious for your baby.

The main sign is intense itching without a rash, often worse at night. Unlike normal pregnancy itchiness, this doesn’t go away with lotion or antihistamines. You might also notice dark urine, light-colored stools, or yellowing of the skin or eyes—signs your liver is struggling. Doctors check for it by measuring bile acids, a key marker that rises when bile flow is blocked and running a liver function test. High bile acid levels mean higher risks, including preterm birth, fetal distress, or even stillbirth. That’s why early diagnosis matters.

It’s not something you can fix with diet alone, but managing it can make a big difference. Medications like ursodeoxycholic acid help move bile out of your liver and reduce itching. Your doctor will likely monitor your baby closely with non-stress tests and ultrasounds. Delivery is often planned early—around 37 weeks—to lower risks. After birth, symptoms usually disappear within days, and your liver returns to normal. But if you’ve had it once, you’re more likely to get it again in future pregnancies.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides that dig into how cholestasis of pregnancy connects to other pregnancy-related liver issues, what treatments actually work, how to track symptoms at home, and why some women are more at risk than others. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re written for people who need clear answers, not jargon.