liver function

  I am 31 weeks pregnant and having itching all over my body for last few weeks.  blood test showed accumulation of bile acids due to improper liver function.  is there anything that can be done to improve the condition?  do i need to take any special precautions in terms of eating or daily activities?
Dear Megha:
I assume that you are experiencing cholestatis hepatosis, recurrent jaundice of pregnancy, or icterus gravidarum. All of these terms mean the same thing: your liver is not clearing the bile that it produces into the gut. Consequently, the bile and its salts are picked up by the skin, causing the color change and the itching.
The process is harmless and self-limited: this is the good news. The other news is that we have no good treatments.
Drugs to bind the bile acids in the bowel have been tried and only a few patients find the medicine helps. Anti-itch drugs (antihistamines) help, but they cause sleepiness. Tepid baths (it is very important that the water temperature be below body temperature (37 degrees centigrade or 98 degrees fahrenheit) since one will stay in the water for many minutes if it gives relief.
There are no diet or activity restrictions. Reduced bile secretion may limit absorption of fat-soluble vitamins: hence a vitamin supplement, which you should already be taking, is important.
Keywords: cholestasis
This material is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered a formal medical evaluation. If you have specific questions, please contact your primary physician.