Patient's question:
Hello doctor! I am a pregnant woman who is more than 5 months pregnant. The result of my bile acid test is 8.8, which is much higher than the normal value of 6.4. If I don't take traditional Chinese medicine for regulation, what kind of impact would high bile acid have on the fetus?Thanks!
Doctor's answer:
Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) refers to the condition where a pregnant woman experiences bile accumulation in the liver during pregnancy, which obstructs the excretion of bile acids, leading to increased levels of bile acids in the blood and stimulating the skin to itch. As for why this disease occurs, it is currently believed to be related to genetic factors and estrogen. The incidence rate of this disease is approximately 1% to 3%. ICP poses little harm to the mother but primarily threatens the fetus, making it more prone to stillbirth and premature birth. The main symptoms include skin itching and small red bumps on the body. If a woman experiences severe skin itching during pregnancy (such as on her abdomen, hands, or feet), it is recommended to seek medical attention at a formal obstetrics and gynecology hospital as soon as possible for examination and diagnosis, followed by treatment.