Search|
|
What is Cholestasis?
Some women experience severe itching during the later part of thier pregnancies. One cause of this is cholestasis. Cholestasis of pregnancy is a condition where the pregancy hormones disturb the normal flow of bile in the gallbladder, either slowing it significantly or stopping it all together.
What are the symptoms of cholestasis in pregnancy?
Symptoms may include:- Itching all over the body
- Dark urine color
- Light coloring of stools (bowel movements)
- Jaundice (yellow coloring of skin, eyes, and mucous membranes)
- Fatigue
Diagnosis of cholestasis in pregancy
If you are experiencing extreme itchiness you should visit your doctor for tests to be run. Your doctor may try to tell you that itching in pregnancy is normal, but if you are being driven crazy by the itch, request that your doctor perform blood tests in order to determine if cholestasis is the cause.The two tests, which will uncover cholestasis, are Serum Bile Acid Test (SBA) and Liver Function Test (LFT).
You can visit ItchyMoms.com to find out more about this condition and get more detailed information about the testing and potential treatments.
| Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor. |
Print Article 
Send to a friend
if you have any questions or comments!