How is cholestasis of pregnancy managed or treated?

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How is cholestasis of pregnancy managed or treated?

Doctors use a medication called ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA, Actigall®) to treat cholestasis of pregnancy. This medicine can improve the liver’s ability to function and reduce the levels of bile in the blood.

Treatments to manage the symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy include:

  • Anti-itch medicines
  • Wearing soft and loose clothing
  • Rest

If medication does not lower bile levels, your doctor may recommend delivering the baby early. Early delivery may reduce the risk of serious complications including premature birth (baby is born before full term) and stillbirth (infant has died before birth). Doctors usually induce labor around weeks 37 or 38 of the pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications of cholestasis of pregnancy.

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