FACTS AND SYMPTOMS
OC (Obstetric Cholestasis), also known as ICP (Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy), is often a diagnosis of exclusion; which means that other conditions may be causing the same symptoms you may be experiencing. Its is also possible that OC is a secondary condition brought about by an underlying problem. Regardless of the cause, when bile acid levels are elevated in pregnant women, they pose a threat to the unborn baby and need to be treated.The following is a list of symptoms that often accompany OC:
- Itching all over, but often more severe on palms and soles
- Dark Urine and/or Pale Stools (greyish in colour)
- Fatigue or Exhaustion
- Sleep Deprivation from Itching
- Loss of Appetite
- Mild Depression
- Jaundice
- Right - Upper Quadrant Pain
- Nausea
- Severe Depression
Please note that itching is often the only symptom an OC patient notices and it is often worse at night. iIf you have any of these symptoms see your healthcare professional as you may need a "Liver function test" done immediately. There are new studies that have been done in the last 3 years that our children may be affected by our liver condition. Doctors are finding a connection with children born with Byliers Disease or PFIC 1 (progressive familial intrahepatic Cholestasis ) or PFIC 1 - PFIC 3. The symptoms for the child can be failure to thrive but much worse liver complications. (Please note that i am not a doctor and you would have to talk to a doctor about the facts of byliers disease.)
