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Meet the Editor,
The founder of the website Melanie transferred the site to me in 2008. I am a Mother who has experienced ICP and blessed with two healthy children Branden & Evan. I am grateful to have the opportunity to help the women who have experienced ICP / OC in their lives. My ICP story began with my first pregnancy in 2003 with my son Jorden. My pregnancy was going well until my 33 week when I began with itchy symptoms. Since itching in pregnancy is fairly normal one of my doctors prescribed topical lotion. During my 35 week appointment, due to my persistent itching, my other doctor requested a serum bile acid and liver function blood test. I was diagnosed with Cholestasis of Pregnancy at 36 weeks with a scheduled induction at 38 weeks; however I lost my precious son to ICP two days before the planned induction. This heart breaking and shocking experience was one I wish no one ever has to face.
Through the Itchy Moms Support group, I was able to receive support, comfort, and reassurance from Rachael & Christine that experienced the painful loss of their precious daugthers from ICP. Rachel corresponded with me about Jenny Chambers from the UK whom had ICP with all of her pregnancies. She was a great support and had a wonderful wealth of knowledge about ICP/OC. After living through the grief of my loss, my prayers were answered with my second pregnancy in 2004, with my son Branden. I found doctors who specialize in my condition. The Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists were excellent and gave me the best medical care for ICP available. I will always remember the joy of having my sweet son home with our family. It is one of the best memories that I hold dear in my heart. Subsequently, my blessings continued with my surprise baby, Evan, which I went through ICP once again. I am forever grateful to God for each one of my three sons. They have brought peace, joy, and happiness to my life.
With all the life changing events that unfolded, I always had a true yearning to help and reach others whose lives have been affected with ICP/OC. The journey in my life guided the way to be able to support those who are searching for answers. I am very grateful to be able to give past and present ICP/OC sufferers useful information regarding ICP/OC.
The information below can guide you and your doctor to the proper treatment of your ICP/OC pregnancy. The Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist used the below management & treatment for my ICP/OC case.
1. Fractionated serum bile acid test and Liver Function test twice a week from week 27 until I was induced.
2. Beginning at week 31 twice a week PT and PTT blood work.
3. Medication- Ursodeoxycholic acid the brand name Actigall, and the generic name Ursodiol prescribed when my SBA levels were elevated beyond the normal range at week 25. The starting dose 900 mgs a day. 29th week bile acid results came back at 25.4, normal range being 4.5-19.2. By week 30, I was on 1,200 mgs of Urso a day. The Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist increased the dose for this medicine to help in reducing the bile acids as the pregnancy progresses. It is important to manage the bile acid levels from the onset of ICP to help protect the unborn baby, and help reduce the itching. My bile acid levels increased towards the end of my pregnancy, although I was on a total of 2,100 mgs/day of Ursodiol.
4. At 30 weeks, I received steroid shots to help mature the lungs of the baby.
5. Bio Physical Profile twice a week starting at 31 weeks to check the baby, and amniotic fluid levels.
6. Weekly MFM OB appointments after week 32.
7. Amniocentesis at 35 weeks 4 days to check the lung maturity of the baby, the results were borderline, however we all decided to induce at 35 weeks 5 days.
8. The last bile acid blood drawn was two days before my son was born. I received the results after his birth, and the SBA were elevated at 69. Although I was on a high dose of Urso 2,100 mgs by 35 weeks, my SBA levels were still high. We were happy to have induced when we did.
I look forward to being able to provide help and comfort to those of you that have experienced ICP / OC. If you have questions about ICP, please contact me and join the Support Group. If you are itching and think you may have ICP, please request a Serum Bile Acid test in addition to a Liver Function Test. Please check back soon for updates and contact me at donna@itchymoms.com.
Sincerely,
Donna B.- Itchy Moms Editor
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