Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Update

I went to the specialist yesterday and found out that, contrary to what I had understood, I do not have HELLP. What I do have is "cholestasis of pregnancy"

What is this? By definition, cholestasis is any condition in which the flow of bile — a digestive fluid — from the liver is blocked. Extrahepatic cholestasis occurs outside the liver. Intrahepatic cholestasis occurs inside the liver. Pregnancy is one of many possible causes of intrahepatic cholestasis. Other names for cholestasis of pregnancy include obstetric cholestasis and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Cholestasis of pregnancy can be dangerous for a developing baby, however. Early delivery is usually recommended. (They are doing this for me)

Causes
The cause of cholestasis of pregnancy is unknown. However, the condition seems to be triggered by pregnancy hormones.
Bile — a digestive fluid that helps the body break down fats — is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Pregnancy hormones can affect how well the gallbladder functions. Sometimes, pregnancy hormones slow or even stop the flow of bile. Eventually, this excess bile may enter the bloodstream. This is cholestasis of pregnancy.

Complications
For mothers, cholestasis of pregnancy may temporarily hinder the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Itching usually resolves within a few days of delivery, and subsequent liver problems are uncommon — although cholestasis is likely to recur with other pregnancies.
For babies, the complications of cholestasis of pregnancy can be much more severe. For reasons not well understood, cholestasis of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth and meconium — a substance that lines the baby's intestines during pregnancy — in the amniotic fluid. If a baby inhales meconium during delivery, he or she may have trouble breathing. There's also a risk of fetal death late in pregnancy. Because of the potentially severe complications, labor is typically induced early.
The specialist told me they have no clue why the higher infant deaths, but that is one of the reasons they are inducing early.
So what I am looking at is delivering in two weeks. It may be earlier if there is any sign of stress to the baby, or my levels sky rocket.

8 comments:

  1. Hope your baby is born healthy and not with any problem because of this condition.

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  2. Trudy, please take care and know that we are thinking of you and the little one!

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  3. Glad your doctors are on top of it. Hope you're feeling better and good luck with the delivery!

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  4. Thanks for updating us. I'll continue to pray for health for you and Baby. God is able!!!

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  5. Trudy, we are keeping you and your precious little one in our thoughts and prayers. Hopefully your little boys will let you rest a little until the baby arrives.

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  6. Please continue to keep us updated. I know you must be beside yourself with worry. God is the ultimate physician....we just have to trust Him right now. I'm praying for you and the baby. I hope the ladies at your church are helping you with meals and housework? I sure wish I lived closer!

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  7. Trudy, Thanks for keeping us updated...Sounds like you have a wonderful Dr. will be keeping you in my prayers.

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  8. Thinking of you and your baby. I wish the best for both you.

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