What is cholestasis of pregnancy?
While many pregnant women experience unpleasant itching at some point in pregnancy, the problem is usually superficial. However, cholestasis of pregnancy is a type of liver disease that causes serious itching. It occurs only in pregnant women, usually late in pregnancy.
hormones associated with pregnancy affect the flow of bile through the gallbladder, slow or even stop. The bile acids then accumulate in the liver and flow into the bloodstream. It is estimated that one in 1,000 pregnancies is diagnosed with this condition.
Symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy include severe itching, most often on the feet and hands. Female urine can be a darker color, while its bowel movements can be lighter than usual. It can experience abnormal fatigue, a decrease in appetite and even depression. Some women also show jaundice or nausea.
Risk factors for this condition include pregnancy with multiples, previous liver damage, and family history. Studies have shown that women wVedic or Chilean origin also have an increased risk of developing pregnancy cholestasis. The diagnosis is performed by studying the patient's medical history and performing blood tests to assess the function of the liver and the levels of bile acids and bilirubin.
Cholestasis pregnancy is a potentially serious condition for both mother and child. Pregnancy diagnosed with a condition has a higher chance of fetal anxiety, premature and dead birth rate. Because the mother is unable to properly process the bile, it gives further load of the child's liver. Birth is usually caused as soon as the child is full or otherwise considered safe to deliver. Dexamethansone is usually given to help the baby's lungs develop if the child is prematurely disturbed.
It is difficult to treat this condition - usually only childbirth will solve it. It is usually solved in itself within a few days after delivery. Treatment during pregnancy usually serves to alleviate severe itching.Topical ointments can help.
ursodeoxycholic acid, a drug that helps to reduce bile acids can be prescribed to a woman with cholestazia of pregnancy. Dandelion is a natural remedy that has shown to promote liver health. Some studies report that up to 90% of women who had a condition suffer relapses with subsequent pregnancies.