When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact your health care provider if you develop any signs or symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy :

• Intense itching
• Dark-colored urine
• Light-colored bowel movements
• Yellow eyes or skin
• Abdominal pain

Cholestasis of Pregnancy Tests and Diagnosis

If your health care provider suspects cholestasis of pregnancy, he or she will ask questions about your medical history and do a physical exam. You may need various blood tests to evaluate how well your liver is working and measure the amount of bile in your blood. Your health care provider also may evaluate your liver with an ultrasound exam. During the ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves are translated into a pattern of light and dark areas creating an image of your liver on a monitor.

Cholestasis of Pregnancy Complications

For mothers, cholestasis of pregnancy may temporarily hinder the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Itching usually resolves within a few days of delivery, and subsequent liver problems are uncommon although cholestasis is likely to recur with other pregnancies.

For babies, the complications of cholestasis of pregnancy can be much more severe. For reasons not well understood, cholestasis of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth and meconium a substance that lines the baby's intestines during pregnancy in the amniotic fluid. If a baby inhales meconium during delivery, he or she may have trouble breathing. There's also a risk of fetal death late in pregnancy. Because of the potentially severe complications, labor is typically induced early.

The above information thankfully comes from the Mayo Clinic.com at the following link.

Prevention of Ectopic Pregnancy

You can't prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but you can decrease certain risk factors. For example, limit your number of sexual partners and use a condom when you have sex to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases and reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.

If you've had an ectopic pregnancy, talk to your health care provider before conceiving again. When you become pregnant, your health care provider will carefully monitor your condition.

Coping and Support of Ectopic Pregnancy

Losing a pregnancy is devastating, even if you've only known about it for a few days. Recognize the loss, and give yourself time to grieve. Talk about your feelings and allow yourself to experience them fully. Lean on your partner, family and friends for support.

Many women who have ectopic pregnancies go on to have other, healthy pregnancies. If you choose to conceive again, seek your health care provider's advice. Early ultrasound imaging can offer reassurance that the pregnancy is developing normally.

The above information thankfully comes from the Mayo Clinic.com at the following link.