Cholestasis of pregnancy, also known as obstetric cholestasis or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, usually occurs during the last trimester of pregnancy, and triggers severe itching, especially on the hands and feet. On rare occasions symptoms may appear before the third trimester. The condition is rarely of concern for the mother's long-term health, but may cause severe complications for the fetus baby. Cholestasis is when the excretion of bile (from the liver) is interrupted. Bile is a fluid that helps the body process fat. There are two main types of cholestasis:Short and long term cholestasis (acute and chronic) The one that comes on suddenly is known asacute cholestasis.Long-term interruption in the excretion of bile is called chronic cholestasis.