Obstetric cholestasis, sometimes called OC or cholestasis of pregnancy, is a liver disorder that a few pregnant women may get. Cholestasis means a condition where the flow of bile from the liver is reduced. Bile is a yellow fluid produced by your liver that contains waste products and chemicals (bile salts) to help digestion.

Usually the only symptom of obstetric cholestasis is itching. The itching completely disappears within a week or two of the birth and does not cause long-term health problems for mothers. But the condition may prove fatal to babies unless it is recognised and treated in time.

The itching generally appears in the last three months of pregnancy but can be sooner. It can be unbearable for the mother but the greatest risk is to the unborn baby who will need to be delivered early, around 37 or 38 weeks. This will help prevent the possibility of stillbirth.

You can find more information about OC from the Support Organisations below.

Obstetric Cholestasis Support and Information Line

The aim of the Obstetric Cholestasis (OC) Help and Information Line is to provide support to mothers who have the condition and information to those who think they may have had the condition but need to be diagnosed.

Obstetric Cholestasis Support and Information Line
4 Shenstone Close
Sutton Coldfield
B75 5UH

Tel: 07970 367973 - Jenny Chambers

Fax: 0121 353 0699

email JennyChambersOC@aol.com

British Liver Trust

The British Liver Trust is the national charity for adult liver disease and they endeavour to inform, support and advise people who are concerned about or living with liver disease, to enable them to make informed decisions about their lives.

British Liver Trust
2 Southampton Road
Ringwood
BH24 1HY

Tel: 0870 770 8028

Fax: 01425 481335

Email: info@britishlivertrust.org.uk

www.britishlivertrust.org.uk