The cause of cholestasis of pregnancy is unknown. However, the condition seems to be triggered by pregnancy hormones.
Bile a digestive fluid that helps the body break down fats is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Pregnancy hormones can affect how well the gallbladder functions. Sometimes, pregnancy hormones slow or even stop the flow of bile. Eventually, this excess bile may enter the bloodstream. This is cholestasis of pregnancy.
Risk Factors Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Estimates of how many women develop cholestasis of pregnancy vary greatly, from less than 1 percent to more than 15 percent of pregnant women worldwide. For unknown reasons, cholestasis of pregnancy seems to be more common during the colder months in Chile and Scandinavia.
Factors that increase the risk of developing cholestasis of pregnancy include :
- A personal or family history of cholestasis of pregnancy
- A history of liver damage
- Being pregnant with twins
In fact, the risk of cholestasis of pregnancy is highest for women who had the condition during a previous pregnancy. After you've had the condition once, the risk of developing it during a subsequent pregnancy may be as high as 70 percent.
The above information thankfully comes from the Mayo Clinic.com at the following link.
