Nutrition during pregnancy scholestasis | Pregnancy Scholestasis – What you need to know

Nutrition during pregnancy scholestasis

As in the normal course of pregnancy, attention should be paid to a healthy and balanced diet. In addition, the diet should be as low in fat as possible, since the disturbed transport of bile acids into the intestine can interfere with the digestion of fats. When using fats and oils, care should be taken to ensure that they are of vegetable origin and of high quality.

If fatty stools have already occurred, certain digestive enzymes can be taken which support the splitting of fats in the intestine. Some sources also advise against eating heavy meals, hard-boiled eggs or foods that promote flatulence. However, these are only recommendations based on experience. An actual improvement of the pregnancy scholestasis due to certain diets could not be scientifically confirmed so far.

How long does a pregnancy cholestasis last?

Pregnancy cholestasis occurs more frequently during the last three months of pregnancy. The symptoms, especially the itching, persist throughout the rest of the pregnancy in most cases. An improvement can only be expected after delivery. In some cases, the symptoms can persist for up to four weeks after delivery.

Is there a risk of premature birth?

The risk of preterm birth is increased with pregnancy scholestasis. In 2006, approximately 20 to 60% of pregnant women with cholestasis experienced premature birth, although this rate should have decreased in the meantime with the targeted therapy with urodesoxycholic acid. During delivery, the newborn baby may experience increased shortness of breath, for which obstetricians and midwives should be prepared to ensure a rapid delivery. If these points are observed, however, this does not mean a greater risk at birth.

Is there a risk for the child?

The greatest risk for the child is premature death in the womb during the second half of pregnancy. Therefore, regular checks at close intervals are very important in pregnancy cholestasis. The risk of inflammation of the inner egg membrane is also increased.

If this clinical picture occurs, the child must be delivered as soon as possible, otherwise the newborn baby may become infected or the mother may develop sepsis (colloquially: blood poisoning). However, these risks can be significantly reduced if cholestasis is regularly monitored and consistently treated.