Patient's question:
I have an itchy lower body, and my underwear is always yellow. What's going on? Is it harmful to the fetus if there is bile stasis during pregnancy?Doctor's answer:
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) is a common disease during pregnancy, which can easily lead to adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, fetal distress, intrauterine fetal death, and postpartum hemorrhage. It has been one of the main causes of perinatal mortality in recent years. ICP is a significant pregnancy complication characterized by skin itching and jaundice, caused by bile stasis in the central hepatic lobules. It severely threatens the health of both the fetus and the pregnant woman.Treatment primarily involves medications such as cholestyramine and Ursodiol to alleviate symptoms, reduce serum bile acid levels, and improve liver function. The treatment duration is long, and regular monitoring of liver and kidney function, as well as serum bile acids, is necessary. If a pregnant woman experiences skin itching or jaundice during the second or third trimester, or even in the early stages of pregnancy, she should seek medical attention promptly.