Why Ursodeoxycholic Acid is Used in Pregnant Women?

Pregnancy is a delicate phase where several complications may arise due to hormonal and physiological changes. One such condition is Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP), which is often associated with itching (pruritus), jaundice, and impaired bile flow. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the most widely recommended medicine for this condition.

What is Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA)?

UDCA is a bile acid that naturally occurs in small amounts in the human body.
It is used as a medication to improve bile flow and protect liver cells from injury caused by retained bile salts.

Why is UDCA Used in Pregnant Women?

During pregnancy, some women develop cholestasis (reduced or blocked bile flow), which can cause:

Severe itching (pruritus), especially at night.
Increased levels of bile acids in the blood.
Risk of preterm birth or fetal distress if untreated.

UDCA helps in the following ways:

Improves bile flow – reduces bile acid accumulation in the liver.
Decreases maternal itching – provides symptomatic relief.
Protects the baby – lowers the risk of complications related to high bile acid levels.
Liver protection – stabilizes liver cell membranes and reduces damage.

UDCA and “Allergy”

Many pregnant women confuse cholestasis-related itching with skin allergy or rash.
Unlike true allergies, itching in ICP happens without rashes and is due to bile acid buildup.
UDCA is not an anti-allergy drug, but it relieves the itching caused by ICP, which may feel like an allergic condition.

Safety of UDCA in Pregnancy

UDCA is considered safe in pregnancy (used for many years with no evidence of harm to mother or baby).
It is the first-line treatment for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy recommended by international guidelines.

Key Takeaway

Ursodeoxycholic acid is used in pregnant women mainly to treat intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Though the itching feels like an allergy, it is actually due to bile acid accumulation, not a true allergic reaction. UDCA helps relieve symptoms, protect the liver, and safeguard the baby’s health.

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