20/11/2020
What is cholestasis of pregnancy?
The term “cholestasis” comes from the Greek words “chole” meaning “bile” and “stasis,” meaning “still.” Cholestasis of pregnancy, also known as obstetric cholestasis or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. It usually occurs late in the second trimester or during the last trimester of pregnancy.
For the fetus, there is a significantly higher risk of preterm birth if the mother has cholestasis of pregnancy, although the reasons are unclear.
An infant who is born preterm may have breathing difficulties if the lungs are not yet fully developed.
The risk of fetal death is also higher.
During gestation, the fetus depends on the mother’s liver to remove bile acids from the blood. If the mother has too much bile acid, this can be passed onto the fetus.
The neonate also has a higher risk of inhaling meconium during childbirth, resulting in breathing difficulties.
Doctors often induce labor early if the mother has cholestasis of pregnancy, because of the potentially serious complications for the baby.
Research suggests that cholestasis of pregnancy may increase the risk of metabolic disorders, such as obesity and cardiovascular disorders, when the child reaches adulthood.