Effect on Baby
The liver of a healthy fetus has a limited ability to remove bile acids from the blood. The fetus normally has to rely on the maternal liver to perform this function. Therefore, the elevated levels of maternal bile cause stress on the fetal liver. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy increases the risk to the baby of meconium staining during delivery, preterm delivery, and intrauterine death. Women with ICP should be monitored closely, and serious consideration should be given to inducing labor as soon as fetal lung maturity is confirmed.
Treatment
The itching of ICP can be treated with emollients, antihistamines, soothing baths, primrose oil, and anti-itching products such as Sarna. Medications that aid in bile secretion such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), cholestyramine, and S-adenosylmethionine have shown variable benefits in reducing itching and bile levels. High dose oral steroids may also be a possible treatment for ICP.
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