The condition of Cholestasis in pregnancy arises when the bile flow in the gall bladder is stopped or slowed down. This stopping of the normal flow of the bile results in jaundice and itching. These will in turn make the skin, mucous membranes and eyes yellow.

Pregnancy of cholestasis occurs usually in the last trimester of the pregnancy. It usually goes within the few days after the delivery. It can be proved risky for the reoccurrence of the further pregnancies. It is also known as pruritus gravidarum or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Causes Of Cholestasis Of Pregnancy:

The lower part of the liver has the organ of gallbladder.This organ holds bile, a substance produced by the liver. This substance bile, is used for the breakdown of the fats during digestion.The waste products present in the blood are converted in a form of bile called Bilirubin.

There is a view that the hormones, during pregnancy, affects the functioning of gallbladder.this results in stopping or slowing down of the bile flow. Hence, collection of bile acids takes place in the liver which when spills in the blood stream, causes the itching. Similarly, when the levels of Bilirubin increases it results in jaundice.

Symptoms Of Cholestasis Of Pregnancy:
Some of the common symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy are:

• Urine in dark color
• Itching will be there especially on the hands and the feet.
• Exhaustion or the fatigue.
• Stools of light color.
• Depression
• Loss of appetite.
• Jaundice which can be recognized by the yellowing of the eyes, skin, mucous membranes.
• Nausea can also be there.

Intrahepatic Cholestasis Of Pregnancy:

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy can be another reason for jaundice during the pregnancy period.The cause of this disease is considered to the high levels of bile acid in the blood stream which results in itching.

Moreover, the levels of the cholesterol, Bilirubin and triglycerides have also been found in large quantity. As the result of theses increased levels several complications are seen.