The yellowing of your skin during pregnancy, also known as jaundice, is often caused by a condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) or obstetric cholestasis. This condition primarily affects the liver and gallbladder.
Here's a breakdown of why this happens:
- Bile Flow Disruption: During pregnancy, hormones can interfere with the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats.
- Bile Acid Buildup: When bile flow is slowed or blocked, bile acids build up in the liver and eventually spill into the bloodstream.
- Jaundice and Itching: The elevated bile acids in the blood cause intense itching, often as the first symptom. As bile pigments (bilirubin) also increase, they can cause yellowing of the skin, eyes (sclera), and mucous membranes. This yellowing is known as jaundice.
Key Factors:
- Timing: Cholestasis of pregnancy usually occurs in the second or third trimester, but can sometimes begin earlier.
- Hormonal Influence: Pregnancy hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, are believed to contribute to the impaired bile flow.
- Genetic Predisposition: There may be a genetic component, as ICP tends to run in families.
Other possible (but less likely) causes of jaundice during pregnancy include:
- Hepatitis: Viral infections like hepatitis A, B, or C can cause liver inflammation and jaundice.
- Gallstones: Although less common in pregnancy, gallstones can obstruct the bile duct and lead to jaundice.
- Other Liver Disorders: Pre-existing liver conditions can be exacerbated during pregnancy.
- HELLP Syndrome: A rare but serious complication of pregnancy involving hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. HELLP syndrome can also cause jaundice.
If you experience yellowing of your skin or eyes during pregnancy, it is crucial to contact your doctor immediately so they can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment and monitoring for you and your baby.
