Cholestasis of Pregnancy

To diagnose cholestasis of pregnancy, your pregnancy care provider may:

Ask about your symptoms and medical history
Perform a physical examination
Order blood tests to measure bile acid levels and check how well your liver is functioning

Further testing may include:

The main goals of treatment for cholestasis of pregnancy are to relieve itching and prevent complications for your baby.

To reduce intense itching, your pregnancy care provider may suggest:

Taking a prescription medicine such as ursodiol (Actigall, Urso, Urso Forte), which lowers bile acid levels in the blood
Using cool or lukewarm water to soak itchy areas

Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting any medicines or treatments for itching.

Cholestasis of pregnancy can lead to complications, so close monitoring is often recommended.

Monitoring may include:

Nonstress testing – checks the baby’s heart rate and how it responds to movement
Fetal biophysical profile (BPP) – evaluates heart rate, movement, muscle tone, breathing, and amniotic fluid levels

While these tests can provide reassurance, they do not always predict preterm birth or other possible complications.

Even if prenatal tests appear normal, your healthcare provider may recommend inducing labor before your due date.

Early delivery around 37 weeks can help lower the risk of stillbirth.
Vaginal delivery through induction is usually preferred unless there are medical reasons for a cesarean section.

After having cholestasis of pregnancy, contraceptives that contain estrogen may increase the risk of symptoms returning.

Alternative birth control options may include:

Overview