Fatima Khan Fatima Khan Asked 8 months ago

What is cholestasis of pregnancy?

I'm in my third trimester and have been experiencing intense itching, especially on my hands and feet, which gets worse at night. My friend mentioned something called cholestasis of pregnancy and it sounds a bit worrying. What is that condition exactly?

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7 answers

Ritu Saxena Ritu Saxena Joined Jan 2026 8 months ago
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This is a serious liver condition during pregnancy that causes severe itching, especially on hands and feet, without a rash. I had this in my third trimester, and it can be dangerous for the baby, so please contact your gynecologist immediately for a bile acid blood test.

Sunita Patil Sunita Patil Joined Jan 2026 8 months ago

It is a condition where bile acids build up, causing severe itching during late pregnancy. To get some relief from the itching while waiting for your doctor's appointment, try taking cool showers and wearing loose cotton clothes.

Saraswathi Krishnan Saraswathi Krishnan Joined Jan 2026 8 months ago

Don't panic, dear. Cholestasis causes really uncomfortable itching, but once your doctor diagnoses it, they will give you the right medication to keep both you and the baby safe. Just get your liver tests done as advised.

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Consult a obstetrics and gynaecologist

Rajesh Nair Rajesh Nair Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

It is a pregnancy-induced liver issue. Do not try using simple calamine lotions or home remedies to stop the itching, as this is an internal bile issue and needs proper medical management by your obstetrician.

Ananya Sen Ananya Sen Joined May 2026 6 months ago

It is a liver disorder where the normal flow of bile slows down during pregnancy, causing bile acids to build up in the blood. My doctor explained that it usually triggers intense itching at night and requires close monitoring of fetal heart rates and liver function tests.

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Sateesh Kamat Sateesh Kamat Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

This is a pregnancy liver issue. Keep in mind that you will need weekly or bi-weekly bile acid tests which can be slightly expensive, so plan your medical budget accordingly for the final trimester.

Vikram Singh Vikram Singh Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

It's a liver condition that slows down bile flow during pregnancy. Eating a very clean, low-fat diet and keeping your hydration levels high can help support your liver, though medical treatment is definitely required.

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