Obstetric Cholestasis is a liver disorder and affects approximately 1% of pregnant women. The condition is caused from a reduced flow of bile fluids which are produced by the liver.  There are very little symptoms apart from itching mainly on the hands and feet.

The itching disappears within a week or two of delivery however the condition poses an increased risk of harm to the baby and subsequent pregnancies for the mother in some cases can be fatal unless it is recognised promptly and treated.

Research has indicated, high levels of oestrogen produced during pregnancy inhibit bile flow which create a build up of bile salts in the blood, resulting in itching and occasionally jaundice.   It is the build up of bile salts that pose a danger to the unborn child.

We would advise any pregnant woman who believes that she is itching more than normal to seek professional help which usually means having a doctor take a blood sample for evaluation of liver function.
If the liver function is abnormal after eliminating other possible diseases and disorders a diagnosis can then be made.  As the condition is relatively rare many midwives, doctors and other medical staff are not knowledgeable about the proper procedures for handling this disease.

Many claims result from negligence occurred during the diagnosis stage of this illness resulting in harm to the mothers baby.