Condition
Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP): Itching and Bile Acids
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, or ICP, is a liver condition that usually shows up in the third trimester as intense itching, often on the palms and soles, without a rash. It needs attention because it can affect the baby. This page is educational, not medical advice.
Call your clinician promptly if you have
- Intense itching, especially on the hands and feet, that is worse at night
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools
- Decreased fetal movement (always worth a same-day check after 28 weeks)
New, intense itching in the third trimester deserves a prompt call so your bile acids can be checked. Decreased fetal movement needs a same-day check.
What is cholestasis (ICP)?
ICP is a condition where the normal flow of bile from the liver slows, so bile acids build up and cause itching. It tends to appear in the third trimester and often runs in families. The itching can be intense even without a rash.
How it is tested and managed
A blood test measures your bile acid levels and liver function. Care often includes a medicine called ursodeoxycholic acid to ease itching, closer monitoring of the baby, and a plan to deliver at the right time, usually a little early, to lower risk.
How Materna helps
Materna helps you flag new itching fast, track movement with kick counts, and reach a bilingual nurse who knows when bile acids need checking. Spanish-first and Medicaid-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the itching from ICP dangerous to my baby?
- ICP is uncomfortable for you, but the main concern is for the baby, so it is monitored closely and often leads to a planned early delivery. Report new intense itching right away.
- Will the itching go away after birth?
- Yes. ICP usually resolves within days to weeks after delivery and bile acid levels return to normal. It can come back in future pregnancies.
- What helps the itching?
- Your clinician may prescribe ursodeoxycholic acid. Cool baths, loose cotton clothing, and moisturizer can give some comfort, but the medicine and monitoring are the key parts.
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