Beware: itchiness can be a sign of a very serious liver condition
What is obstetric cholestasis?
Obstetric cholestasis is a liver disorder that occurs during pregnancy. The main symptom is itching, which usually starts on your hands and feet but can spread over your body. It's usually worse at night. Other symptoms can include dark urine and, occasionally, jaundice.
What should you do if you think you have OC?
Let your GP or midwife know immediately so that a liver function test (a simple blood test) can be arranged.
What other tests should be carried out to check for OC?
If possible a serum bile acid test - a more specialised blood test. If the results of both blood tests are normal but you continue to itch they should be repeated.
How dangerous is the condition?
The condition isn't dangerous for the mother, although you would have a higher risk of bleeding severely after delivery. The main risk of OC is to the baby who can be at risk of fetal distress, premature delivery and, in rare cases, stillbirth.
How is it treated?
Treatment can vary depending on the hospital, but usually would involve close monitoring of the baby through cardiotocographs and dopplar scans. The mother would have regular liver function and serum bile acid tests and may take medication such as ursodeoxycholic acid which, with the consent, can treat the condition. But the most important aspect of managing OC is to make sure the baby is delivered early - no later than 38 weeks.
Is there any damage to the mother's liver or to the baby's health?
There's no lasting damage to your or your baby's liver and no health problems to the baby after delivery.
Is OC a genetic condition?
Yes, although at the moment we don't know how it's passed down.
If you get it once, are you more likely to get it again?
Unfortunately yes, although doctors can't be precise on how likely it is that you'll get it again - possibly up to 90%. You're also more likely to develop OC if you're
expecting twins.
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