Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy: Symptoms & Signs

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver disease that occurs in pregnant women. A buildup of bile in the liver characterizes the disease. (Intrahepatic means within the liver.)

The most common associated symptom of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is itching. Itching is medically known as pruritus. The symptoms usually begin with severe itching on the hands and feet that can spread to other areas. Other associated symptoms can include jaundice, dark urine, loss of appetite, light-colored stools, pain in upper right quadrant, fatigue, and nausea.

Causes of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Doctors do not understand the cause of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, but genetic changes in the ABCB11 or ABCB4 genes can increase a woman's likelihood of developing the condition.

Other intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy symptoms

• Dark Urine
• Fatigue
• Jaundice
• Light-Colored Stools
• Loss of Appetite
• Nausea
• Pain in the Upper Right Quadrant
• Severe Itching (Pruritus) on the Feet and Hands

symptomchecker

Health concerns on your mind?
Click here to visit our Symptom Checker.

SLIDESHOW

Conception: The Amazing Journey from Egg to Embryo See Slideshow