ICP – extreme itchiness is not always normal during pregnancy.

The story of Laura

I was one of the lucky women who was diagnosed with ICP with our third and fourth pregnancy. I had horrible itching that wouldn’t stop, and got extremely worse at night. Even Benadryl wouldn’t keep me asleep. Finally months later my husband mentioned it to my OB and I immediately got tested for ICP. The first time our OB told me I had it I was speechless, wondering if my baby would live to see the outside world. My next OB appt he said I’ve done my research and I want to induce you tomorrow instead of next week. Which put me getting induced at 37 weeks instead of 38 weeks. 

I ended up getting pregnant 7 months pp and the itching started around the same time (22 weeks) so I knew what it meant. I mentioned it to my OB and got tested and what a surprise, I had ICP again. I was tested every few weeks and my levels kept rising with while on URSO. So it was decided that I would be induced at 36 weeks. 

Both babies are healthy and I’m glad it was caught and I was treated and monitored. Always mention itchiness to your doctor.Â