Cholestasis - recent experience of NHS policy?

[CrossWords]

I'm 35 weeks pregnant and have cholestasis with LFTs in high 400s - saw doc yesterday who said that although in the "old days" they would deliver early these days it basically doesnt mean much and I'll just be itching for the next 5 weeks (he did prescribe Piriton to help with that). But from what I've read it seems induction for cholestasis was happening quite recently - does anyone know if there has been a policy change and why its now thought safe to go to term?

[CrossWords]

Just bumping to see if anyone can shed any light - in particular keen to know whether there's any point pushing back at all on the no induction? Thanks in advance

[Splinters]

Sorry not to have any actual experience to share, but my hospital produces quite good information leaflets

and here's the one on OC

-- looks like they only expect to induce about 1 in 4 mothers with OC, though not quite clear why. Hope someone is along to help you more soon!

[CrossWords]

Thanks so much

[MoonHare]

A friend of mine was induced a week early because of cholestasis, this was 3 months ago. I know nothing about nhs policy on this but obviously it's happening in some cases.

[CrossWords]

Doesn't seem clear why some people are induced and others not and maybe there isnt a blanket policy across all hospitals anyway - think I'll just let the dr know at my next appt that i would prefer it to continual monitoring, and see what he says

[bangersmashandbeans]

I had OC with my first and was induced at 38 weeks. I was itching for a week or so before this but my bloods took a while to show abnormal. They fobbed me off for a couple of days with meds but in the end I threw a wobbly and they admitted me without too much fuss. Did have consultant support for early induction though. Don't think they'll do it before 37 weeks but I think you've got a decent chance of pushing for induction after you've reached that stage.

[Pandasandmonkeys]

I had colestasis with ds. I was diagnosed very late at 39weeks. Had no symptoms til then. I was admitted to hospital immediately to be induced, but he was found to be breech so had a section the next morning. I was told my baby was at risk and was scared half to death by all the stats to dr threw at me. It all happened so fast and I feel like I was railroaded into the section. I had no time to do my own research and deeply regret not thinking things thru properly. There's lots to be read online about OC and def worth a look to feel more informed

[NAR4]

My cousin was sent to the hospital by her midwife at 37 wks after complaining about itching. They did some blood tests but told her they would induce her in the morning (before they even waited for the results). She went into labour that night anyway.

[Emmaw9]

I was diagnosed with cholestasis at 36 weeks then due to see consultant at 37+4 to discuss induction. I had him at 37+3!!
The reason for induction I was told is that your liver will stop breaking down all the bile and bad stuff which in turn goes straight to your baby making it harmful for them. I was prescribed piriton and erso tablets which helped.
My baby was born jaundiced (apparently due to the cholestasis)
This was only in december too so as far as I know they still induce women before 38 weeks!

[MrsRambo]

I had the opposite situation to you. My levels were above average but not 'too bad' and was coming down every day once I had started on the drugs (at 35 wks). However, it was my hospital policy to induce at 37 weeks for OC. I felt that my levels were 'under control' and wanted to try and go full term (as I had heard of other people being supported to go full term with similar levels to mine). I had a big ding dong with the consultant about it and we compromised at being induced at 38wks plus 3 days. There isn't a blanket NHS policy - it's all down to each hospital. My consultant said that their policy was based on their experiences at the hospital (i.e. they had seen some bad outcomes by letting OC sufferers go beyond 37 wks). I got a lot of support from the ICP support forum (google them). They have all the up to date info on OC. Worth posting on their forum for info/support.

Hope everything works out for you.