Is Cholestasis Of Pregnancy A Progressive Problem & Alternative Treatments For It?

Cholestasis of Pregnancy is a liver disorder that can develop during pregnancy. This is typically triggered when there is a build-up of bile acids and other substances in the liver, which then ‘leak’ into the woman’s bloodstream. It is most common to arise during the late second trimester or early third trimester of pregnancy however it is sometimes possible to develop as early as week 8 of pregnancy.

The main symptom is itching (pruritis) without a skin rash. The itchiness will entirely wane in a week or two of the infant’s birth and does not trigger enduring health challenges for mothers. However, on rare occasions, it can result in the risk of fetus health before and during birth.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy can induce complications for the unborn child. It is a rare heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive disorders resulting in intrahepatic cholestasis during childhood. This class of chronic cholestasis disorders begin in infancy and typically progress to cirrhosis within the first decade of their life.

Hereditary transformations affecting hepatic bile salt transport molecules have also been observed in individuals with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis. It is a progressive liver ailment that eventually results in liver failure. In these patients, the liver has less ability to secrete bile thus affecting the individuals.

In rare cases, the disease progresses rapidly and develops cirrhosis however, in most patients, the condition develops relatively slower with reduced consequences. Few individuals even survived without treatment however, in most cases it requires early diagnosis and necessary medical attention.

All types of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis are deadly in infancy unless treated.^1,2

Cholestasis of pregnancy directly influences baby’s well being by

• Affecting the baby’s organ function
• Lower birth weight
• Affects baby’s heart function resulting in sudden intrauterine death
• Fetal distress
• Pre-term and pre-mature death

There are measures you can take to reduce your chances of developing cholestasis, and for people who are already suffering from this condition, there are natural remedies that you can depend on to relieve the symptoms.

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)- Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), also known as ursodiol is one of the secondary bile acids, increasingly used for the treatment of cholestasis disorder. This is a naturally-occurring bile acid found in fewer amounts in usual human bile and in higher amounts in the biles of few types of bears. UDCA also increases bile flow and may protect the liver.

SAMe(S-Adenosyl methionine) – Research has evaluated several potential uses of SAMe especially in the treatment of liver-related disorders. This is a compound found naturally in the human system and helps produce and regulate cell membranes. Several women suffering from cholestasis of pregnancy will be recommended with this remedy to ease their condition when having issues with weight and sleeping issues. However, it is often advisable to talk to your pregnancy care provider before you start any medications.^3,4

Guar Gum – Used as a laxative, an effective remedy in treating several ailments such as for treating diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), overweight problems, and diabetes mellitus, reducing dietary fat, and for avoiding strengthening of the blood vessels. Since it acts as a binding agent, they are very effective in treating cholestasis of pregnancy.

Vitamin Supplements- Most women are at higher risk of vitamin deficiency particularly vitamin K deficiency during pregnancy often resulting in maternal hemorrhage. When you want to treat or reduce the deficiency, consider taking activated charcoal and SAMe.⁵

In addition to these remedies avoid taking alcohol or any other substances toxic to the liver.

References:

Also Read:

• What is Cholestasis of Pregnancy or Obstetric Cholestasis?
• Is Cholestasis Of Pregnancy An Emergency & Can It Be Reversed?
• What Are The First Symptoms Of Cholestasis Of Pregnancy & How Do You Test For It?
• What Happens To Untreated Cholestasis Of Pregnancy & When To Go To Doctor?
• How Do You Know If You Have Cholestasis Of Pregnancy & How Early Can You Get It In Pregnancy?
• Is Delivery By 37 Weeks Necessary For Cholestasis Of Pregnancy?
• How Do You Stop Cholestasis Of Pregnancy From Spreading?