In 2013, I experienced my first pregnancy, which came as an unexpected joy shortly after my wedding. We discovered the news of our impending arrival on the same day we returned from our honeymoon. Initially, the journey seemed to proceed without major complications. While I did endure typical first-trimester nausea, the following months were relatively comfortable. By the second trimester, I felt energized, enjoyed my growing belly, and cherished the movements of my baby.
I was aware of the challenges that the third trimester could bring—discomfort, sleepless nights, and frequent bathroom visits. However, I remained optimistic, viewing these challenges as part of the “baby boot camp.” I began to outline my ideal birth plan: a water birth, unmedicated, accompanied by a carefully curated playlist. My pregnancy felt manageable, and I was eager to welcome my daughter into the world.
As I transitioned into the third trimester, I noticed increased urination and a concerning change in the color of my urine, which appeared darker, resembling orange. Initially, I dismissed it as dehydration and increased my water intake, but the urine color persisted. Around 33 weeks, I experienced intense itching on my feet at night, which I attributed to dry skin or the normal effects of weight gain. I attempted to soothe my discomfort with lotion.
Despite my attempts to brush it off, the itching escalated, eventually involving my palms. My urine continued to alarm me, resembling orange Gatorade. Desperate for relief, I contacted the on-call OBGYN in the early hours one morning. Her response was dismissive; she attributed my symptoms to the normal experience of pregnancy. When I expressed that this was not typical for me, she advised trying a lotion for eczema, which did not alleviate my itching.
My regular OBGYN was unavailable due to maternity leave, leaving me feeling unheard. After another sleepless night, my husband reached out to the on-call line himself, articulating his concerns about my condition. Surprisingly, the doctor took him seriously, and I was able to secure an appointment the following day. She conducted blood tests but provided minimal immediate answers.
As the weeks progressed, my discomfort intensified. The itching was relentless, and I noticed alarming changes in my stool color, which became starkly pale. I felt overwhelmed, fearing for my sanity and the well-being of my unborn child. Each night brought dread, knowing that sleep was elusive and that I was spiraling into despair.
Finally, at 36 weeks, my regular OB contacted me, having been briefed on my symptoms. She diagnosed me with cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a condition affecting approximately 1 in 1000 pregnancies. This disorder disrupts bile flow and can pose significant risks to the fetus, especially after 37 weeks. In that moment, I felt a mix of relief and anger; I was not imagining my symptoms, yet I had been made to feel as though I was overreacting.
Further testing confirmed elevated liver enzymes and bile salts, leading to an urgent plan for my induction at 37.5 weeks. I underwent a series of non-stress tests every two days and was prescribed Ursodiol to alleviate my symptoms. Despite my apprehension about the impending induction, I felt a renewed sense of care and urgency.
During my hospital stay, I faced unexpected complications, including an infection for both me and my baby, as well as a deteriorated placenta. While my birthing experience was not as I had envisioned—complete with interventions and medications—it was ultimately overshadowed by the joy of holding my newborn.
In subsequent pregnancies, I anticipated the recurrence of cholestasis. Regular monitoring and early intervention allowed me to manage my symptoms more effectively. For my second child, I commenced treatment preemptively and was able to navigate the experience with less distress.
Having gone through cholestasis twice, I understand the importance of advocating for oneself during pregnancy. If you experience symptoms that seem abnormal, do not hesitate to seek help. Persistence is key; there are excellent resources available, such as those found at ICP Care, which can provide support and information.
In summary, while my experiences with cholestasis were challenging, they ultimately resulted in the birth of my two beautiful children. If you encounter similar issues, I urge you to persist in seeking the care you deserve.