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Category: Pregnancy Complications

Asked by Ilove40

Q: Obstetric Cholestasis (OC) & Bile Acid Test Levels Question

Hello ladies,

I had a few severe itching episodes about two weeks ago, the itching has been really mild in comparison since then, but still has not subsided. I was tested for bile acid levels 3 days after the initial intense itching began and my level came back at a 10. Is this considered mild OC? I am finding a lot of conflicting info on when it is considered OC, some say 10 to <40 is mild OC (>40 severe), and some say >10 is the starting point (meaning OC is diagnosed at 11). Either way, just curious if you have had a similar experience, when did they consider it OC (bile acid level)? And whether or not you guys think I should request a retest. TIA.


*I sent a message to my Midwife this morning as well to see what she thinks of my results since I haven't heard from them and the results were posted on my online chart yesterday morning.

This question was asked Jun. 21, 2017 2:22pm
Category: Pregnancy Complications

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Answers (4)

Answered by Ilove40 - Jun. 22, 2017 1:32pm
Thanks so much. Hoping for a response today to my message sent through the online portal yesterday. I'm honestly shocked they haven't called to discuss ANY results with me after the multitude of testing done two weeks ago and all results have been in since Monday and Tuesday morning. My platelet count is low (looks like I have thrombocytopenia again this pregnancy), my WBC is low, I am anemic based on the results, and my calcium was super low in addition to the possible indication of mild OC. I'm very disappointed in their response time to contacting me. My previous midwife would have had the iron supplement called in immediately to my pharmacy for example and phoned me way by now. Pretty unbelievable. And I really disliked my old midwives office as a whole. SMH.

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Answered by alishacolin - Jun. 22, 2017 11:43am
With no rash it does sound like it could be the beginning of OC. I hope your midwife contacts you back soon and let you know what going on. Perhaps there is a way to prevent it from getting worse.
Playing the waiting game sucks; Hope you get some answers soon mama. Xx

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Answered by Ilove40 - Jun. 22, 2017 2:02am
Hi alishacolin, thanks so much for your reply! No, I don't really have other symptoms like rash or anything, just extreme fatigue, and I have also noticed I'm gaining weight really fast this time (I think..). It's definitely the lack of any rash and itching on my hands and feet that led me to believe it could be OC. Now seeing my bile acid level is on the verge of OC, and even considered by some to actual be indicative of mikd OC, I am guessing that's what's going on?

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Answered by alishacolin - Jun. 21, 2017 2:48pm
I had extreme itching when I was pregnant with my first.. Got diagnosed with polymorphic eruption (PEP) do you have any symptoms besides itching?? I had a rash all up and down my legs

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