Is Severe Itching During Pregnancy A Symptom Of Cholestasis?

Posted on Mon, 3 Oct 2016

Question: I am 30 week 6 days pregnant. I am having severe itching problem. I googled and found that my symptoms are of cholestasis. I too have itching on my palm and feet sole and my urine is orangish in color
Can you suggest me test which i should do before visiting my doctor. I have appointment after 10 days.
Is this harmful to my baby?
Any food precaution i should take?

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Liver function test

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Severe itching in third trimester of pregnancy is most likely due to cholestasis of pregnancy.
You should get your liver function test done as the treatment depends on the values of liver enzymes.
You should consult your doctor as soon as possible as cholestasis can lead to preterm labour, sudden intrauterine death of the fetus and fetal distress.
You should get an ultrasound done for biophysical profile to assess the fetal well being.
No food is needed to be avoided.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (32 minutes later)

I am planning to take the test on next saturday. Will it be too late?
What are the other symptoms of cholestasis

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Test should be done as soon as possible

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I will suggest you to get the test done as soon as possible, as treatment can be started timely.
The main and only symptom of cholestasis of pregnancy is itching all over the body, particularly palms and soles.The itching is more prominent at night time.

Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (2 days later)

Hi this is my LFT test report
Kindly take a look and prescribe what needs to be done

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Cholestasis of pregnancy

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
Your liver enzymes are raised, and hence the diagnosis of cholestasis of pregnancy is confirmed.
You should consult your doctor to consider starting treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid tablets.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad