Waiting to talk to the doctor about results
I started feeling a weird itchiness in my toes and hands recently and did some research (Tik tok scrolling) and came across some videos about cholestasis. I also noticed some oily stools which all indicate cholestasis however I am only 22 weeks. I told my doctor and she told me is a rare condition (although I’ve seen so much content of women talking about it, it hardly seems rare. However she did listen to me and ordered the bloodwork/urinalysis. I got my quest results last night and started looking through them and it appears my bile acid levels are elevated at 10.6 (it says out of range with 6.8 being the threshold). It also indicates my Chenodeoxycholic Acid is high as well at 6.5 (with normal range being 3.1). I’m so nervous that I’m still in the second trimester and I’m already seeing this elevation. I haven’t spoken to my doctor yet I’m waiting for the office to open. But I’m really spiraling and feeling worrried/anxious. I was planning a natural unmedicated birth and I feel like that might need to change now 😭😭
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Hi Kayla, I know it’s hard not to worry however maybe just peace of mind to know in the UK OC isn’t diagnosed unless bile acids are over 19. 19-40 is classed as mild, above 40 is moderate and may advise to induce slightly early, and over 100 is severe and will be induced at 36 weeks. Yours seems mild, but definitely good you’ve been tested already. Keep up with regular tests just to be sure ❤️
My highest bile acids were 39 and I chose to be induced on my due date, after previously wanting an unmediated home birth. It was different to what I wanted but it was still a great experience though xx
10 was still considered in normal range for me so please don’t stress too much. I was up into the 20s and at that point they just monitored me. I was able to get back into normal range by cutting out foods that are hard on your liver and lots of rest. Anytime I ate something I shouldn’t have or was stressed or overworking myself I’d notice my symptoms getting worse.
I just got off the phone with the doctor she’s concerned about the levels especially this early in pregnancy. She’s putting me on a medication Urisdiol to help bring the levels down and maintained but she told me that I would have to be induced at 37 weeks and potentially earlier depending on the levels and how the baby is doing. She said that it’s a good thing we know earlier because we can manage it better. But I’m really upset about it.
did she say what the risks were going over 37 weeks? When biles acids are below 40 there is actually no higher risk of stillbirth than a normal pregnancy without cholestasis. I really wouldn’t be upset about it just yet ❤️ honestly sounds very mild and there would be no reason to induce early unless levels go above 40 x
thank you I’m going to take a look at that research.
I just had my blood drawn today for cholestasis at 22 weeks just with the symptoms itchy hands and feet. no other symptoms. how long did it take your tests to return and what should i do until then
the itch keeps me up at night. 3 AM last night i literally douced my feet in bactine cause i scratched so hard and then just put cortisone in gloves and went to sleep or tried to
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