What are Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Symptoms?
The primary symptom of ICP is severe itching. The itching generally progresses in severity, and may develop to the point that it interferes with a woman’s daily activities, including sleep. Although the itching sensation can be present on any part of the woman’s body, it is most commonly felt on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. In addition, women may experience yellowing of their skin or whites of the eyes – also known as jaundice. This is estimated to occur in about 20% of women with ICP. Other symptoms may include: • Dark urine and/or pale stools • Fatigue • Loss of appetite • Mild depression Less common symptoms include: • Severe depression • Upper-Right Quadrant Pain • Nausea What Risks Does ICP Pose for Pregnant Women? Fortunately, ICP does not normally present any dangerous risks for the mother. However, it can present potentially serious risks for the baby, including: • Premature birth (up to 44% of women with ICP deliver before 37 weeks gestation) • Hemorrhaging
