Intrahepatic cholestasis ICP / obstetric cholestasis

[NotLongNow12]

Hello

I started with itching a couple of days ago.
Called the midwife who said to go to hospital for blood tests.
The results have come back to say my bile levels are 22.

I'm booked in for a c section in 3 weeks when I will be 39+4.
Has anyone had this and what was the course of action? I.e was your c section brought forward etc?

I'm going back in tomorrow for another blood test. And they're booking me for a liver scan for next week.

Hi @NotLongNow12 - I'm 38 + 3 with my fourth baby and also have OC.

With DC3 (6 years ago) my bile acids spiked at 17.5 at about 35 weeks and I went in for reduced movements- at that point they didn't medicate me just gave me weekly blood tests and my bile acids dropped back down. I had a spontaneous labour with her at 39 weeks, she was fine other than meconium in her waters but is a very healthy happy six year old now!

In this pregnancy I have been monitored for OC more closely due to my history. I started itching again at 33 weeks so weekly bloods and at 35 my bile acids were 18.4 and my LFT were 284, so they put me on 500mg urso once a day. A week later my bile acids went up to 39.4 and LFT was 175 - I was sure that they would induce me but as my LFT had come down they just doubled my urso dose.

Last week my bile acids were 36, and LFT down to 95 - so headed in the right direction. I'm booked for induction on Friday (I'll be 39 weeks) so should be having my last blood test today.

I always chase my blood results after 24 hours - so I wouldn't accept being told to just not worry for a week! Sounds awful but with the NHS as it is I just don't have 100% confidence that they'll check on it on my behalf!

I had my liver scan last week and they've said I've got gallstones - don't know if they've caused the OC or vice versa...

It's been a horrible few weeks and I've had moments of being so stressed and worried - the constant watching and monitoring of movements made me really anxious and exhausted, but I feel like now I'm in the final stretch and so long as my levels keep going in the right direction I can breathe a little easier.

Guess I just wanted to share my story a bit as I don't know anyone who's been through it in RL. People like to either tell me horror stories or be really dismissive both of which drive me nuts!!

@OutofControl3
I'm ok thank you. I have another blood test booked for Thursday so will see what the results are then. I've still been itching so I'm not sure if they've gone back up again. So we shall see!
I hope you're well.

@MadMadamMim123
Oh that sounds so scary for you!
I feel anxious sometimes when I don't feel movements, even for a short period. I've been monitoring mine too and things seem ok.
I couldn't wait all week either and phoned them the following morning for the results.

I have another blood test on Thursday and liver scan next week.

My bile levels have fluctuated. They were 22 and then 10.
But it is worrying isn't it and I'm trying to avoid horror stories.
I'm actually booked in for a c section in 2 weeks time unless the baby comes earlier.
I'll be 38 weeks on Friday.

I hope all goes well with your pregnancy. 🌸

@NotLongNow12 thank you. I'm so relieved to be in the final few days now. Can't wait to stop taking the urso as it makes me feel a bit nauseous and very tired!

It's good that they're keeping an eye on you at least - and the fact your bile acids are coming down is a good sign too. Fingers crossed for both of us - I take a lot of comfort from that stat about stillbirth risk being the same as everyone else if bile acids are under 100. It helps me keep it in perspective during the 4am panics

@MadMadamMim123
Yes I am glad about that too. I'm hoping mine haven't gone up again when I have the bloods done this week. I've been itching all day. I wasn't prescribed any medication. They said to just take antihistamine's.

Yes I often end up on MN at 4am...! 😂

I can't believe there's just 2 weeks before I meet my baby. I'm very excited.

Hope the last few days for you go well. Yes I imagine you'll be glad to be off those meds when they're making you feel so poorly!!

I had OC about 6 yeas ago and was induced at 37 weeks, as this was the guidance at that time. I don't remember my AST and ALT, but I think my bile acid levels were in the 40s when I started taking urso. Interesting to read that the advice has changed now, and if I were in the same situation again I would be keen to keep the baby in that little bit longer. The baby was (and is) totally fine. It is frightening when something isn't right during pregnancy, but the increased risk is minimal as I understand it. All the best op.

@NotLongNow12 aw Glad they keeping a close eye on you hope the blood test comes back good . Yeah I'm good thanks going for my 12 week scan tomorrow so proof is in the pudding 😅
I'm super paranoid because iv been itchy too but I do think it's the weather having Windows open I'm finding the odd little spot so whatever must be feasting on me. Doesn't oc come later on in pregnancy? I think I'm on high alert as it got missed in my last pgy.
I was thinking about you as you hadn't updated thinking you may of gone in, anyway Glad your still plodding along!

I had this. After lots and lots of monitoring, I was induced early due to low amniotic fluid and DD was born 5lb 3 at 35+2. Now a strapping, healthy 10 year old!

Good luck! I was diagnosed and my acid bile levels are 64 and LFT’s 404. They reduced a bit last week but I’m really struggling the last couple of days.
i am 33+3 and was diagnosed 3 weeks ago. they said they plan to induce at 38 weeks of the blood tests stay the same or improve. Any advise on how to deal with the itching? I am on the Urso acids too and antihistamine medication which was prescribed but it doesn’t help. I find every night is different but the last 3 have been the worst

I had oc when I was pregnant with my we girls she's now nearly 10 years old. Mine was cray high they didn't believe I had it as I did not fit the criteria. Small white blond Scottish lol I believe oc is much higher now at the time it was 1 in 500 or something I have been told its much high now and now not that rare. I read my baby book that's how I know I had it.gave birth early at about 37 weeks all went well my little girl had a very quick delivery. Once they gave me tablets to take when I had it I was much better but I was crazy sick and had and feet where so itchy I had to wrap a wet towel round my hands it was insane couldn't stop being sick up bile constantly. The thing is I'm getting symptoms of pregnancy again but all my test coming back negative. Got a scan to go for next week to see why my stomach is swollen. But try not to worry I ended up having a healthy pregnancy and giving birth all went fine she did have johndice after she was born but that was the worst it got for her and the medication they gave me really helped. Ask god to help 🙏 as he will xxxx