155: Itchy Palms in Pregnancy? Intrahepatic Cholestasis (ICP) Explained + When Delivery Is Recommended

Roxanne breaks down Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) —a pregnancy-specific liver condition (about 2–3% of pregnancies) where bile acids build up in the bloodstream, often causing intense itching on palms/soles with no rash. She reviews other possible symptoms (jaundice, dark urine, light stools, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain), how diagnosis is made with symptoms plus bile acid labs (and sometimes liver enzymes), and how treatment depends on bile acid levels. Roxanne discusses options such as meds to lower bile acids and improve itching, fetal monitoring (NSTs/BPPs), and sometimes induction as early as 36 weeks—especially if bile acids are over 100. She explains baby risks (preterm birth, respiratory distress, stillbirth), including stillbirth rates. ICP usually resolves after birth but can recur (40–60%).

00:00 Welcome and Overview

00:16 Meet the Hosts

01:04 ICP Symptoms and Why It Matters

01:29 What ICP Is in the Liver

02:15 Risks for Mom and Baby

03:32 Other Signs and Diagnosis

04:22 Treatment and Monitoring Plan

05:24 Bile Acid Levels and Induction Timing

06:49 Stillbirth Risk Numbers Explained

09:08 Quick ICP Recap

11:20 After Birth and Future Pregnancies

11:59 Questions, Course, and Wrap-Up

————

Get Your Copy of Training for Two on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VOTdwH

📧 Download our free birth prep circuit guide with six exercises to prepare your body for birth: https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit/

Prepare for your birth with MamasteFit:

💻 Online Childbirth Education Courses

🏋🏻‍♀️ Online Prenatal Fitness Programming

🧘‍♀️ Prepare Your Pelvic Floor for Birth Course

Explore our prep for birth courses: https://mamastefit.com/prenatal-support

3rd Trimester Specific Prep Courses: https://mamastefit.com/fitness-programs/third-trimester/

-------

Freebies to Support Your Postpartum:

📩 Join our free early postpartum recovery course: https://mamastefit.com/freebies/early-postpartum-recovery/

—-

Recover after birth and return to fitness with MamasteFit: https://mamastefit.com/fitness-programs/postpartum/

💻 Postpartum Education Courses

🏋🏻‍♀️ Postpartum Fitness Programs

——

Follow Us on IG at https://instagram.com/mamastefit

——

****Freebies*****

Early postpartum recovery course:

https://mamastefit.com/freebies/early-postpartum-recovery-guide/

Postpartum sample:

https://mamastefit.com/freebies/postpartum-fitness-guide/

Prenatal Sample:

https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prenatal-fitness-program-guide/

Pelvic Floor

https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/

Birth Prep for Labor Guide

https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-labor-guide/

Birth Partner Guide

https://mamastefit.com/freebies/birth-partner-guide/

Birth Plan

https://mamastefit.com/freebies/birth-plan-guide/